Commercial Electric Service Handbook

Electric Service Handbook
June 2017
Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Permanent and Temporary Service
©2017 by Puget Sound Energy
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval system,
without permission from Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Customer service—guaranteed
PSE makes two service guarantees to you. First, we commit to keeping
scheduled appointments, and second, we commit to restoring power
outages as soon as we can.
• If we don’t keep an appointment to install new service, reconnect
existing service, or inspect natural gas equipment, you’ll receive a $50
credit on your PSE bill.
• If your electric service is out for 120 consecutive hours or longer, you
may be eligible to receive a $50 credit on your PSE bill.
These service guarantees are in addition to nine service quality measures
that track PSE’s performance, and are subject to certain conditions and
may be suspended during unusual and exceptional circumstances.
For more information, visit pse.com/guarantees.

Table of contents
Preface
What this handbook contains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PSE’s service availability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Electrical service equipment inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Codes and jurisdictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Scheduling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Other electric service information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How to contact Puget Sound Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
PSE’s service providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overview: new permanent and temporary electric service hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 1
Steps to a smooth permanent service installation
The installation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Setting up an account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Submitting an application for service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Service voltages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Know what’s below: Call 811 before you dig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Cost for service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Additional service costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Voltage flicker and size of transformer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Voltage drop calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 2
Permanent underground services
Service equipment installation responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Puget Sound Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Preparing for your service hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cable limits for transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Customer-provided trenches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trench width for PSE facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trench routing/clearances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trench excavating requirements for PSE facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Trench and backfill requirements for primary electric line extension trenches (no PSE gas). . 11
Trench and backfill requirements for primary electric line extension trenches
(with PSE gas). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Vault excavation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Table of contents
Conduit installed at vaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Attaching a customer’s service line to a power pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
When the power pole is on private property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
When the power pole is in a city/county/state right-of-way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Racking of cable in vaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cable ladder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cable supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Cable training and identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Customer wiring to energized PSE transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Single-phase minipad transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Three-phase padmount transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Transformer locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Landscaping and other obstacles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Working space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Guard posts for padmount and subsurface equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Approved guard posts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fault current levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 3
Permanent overhead services
Service equipment installation responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Puget Sound Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Preparing for your service hookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Service mast requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Height requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Clearances from gas meters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Additional mast supports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Screw-in service knobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Installing the service equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
List of customer-provided service entrance equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Terrain considerations for meter base/socket locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 31
Customer-owned meter pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Meter pole requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Meter pole locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Meter pole installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Table of contents
Chapter 4
Meter installation
Other contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Section 1: General metering requirements

Metering equipment responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Other customer responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Installing or removing meters by a qualified electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Inspections and approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sealing provisions on enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Service conductors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Grounding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Customer equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Current-limiting fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Meter locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Location requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Prohibited locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Meter location requirements for manufactured commercial structures
(school portables, industrial modular office, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Electrical room requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Electrical room locations in high-rise buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Meter bases/sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Determining meter base/socket type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Meter base/socket clearances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Remote metering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Meter pedestal requirements for remote metering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Meter pedestal location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Remote service requirements based on service ampacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Multiple meter installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Multifamily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Nonresidential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Multiple meter base/socket labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Section 2: Self-contained metering requirements

Single-phase services: 400 A or less and three-phase services: 200 A or less
Meter base/socket main disconnect combinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Manual block bypass requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Disconnecting means and its sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Safety sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Table of contents
Load balancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Service conductor connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Self-contained meter base/socket requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Single-phase services: 400 A or less. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Single-phase services: 120/240 V, 200 A or less. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Single-phase services: 201 to 400 A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Single-phase services: 120/208 V, 200 A or less. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Single-phase streetlight services: 120/240 V or 240/480 V pedestals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Three-phase services: 200 A or less. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
All three-phase services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Three-phase services: 120/240 V, four-wire delta
(Restricted — available only for existing services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Three-phase services: 277/480 V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Section 3: Current transformer (CT) metering requirements (up to 800 A)

Single-phase services: Over 400 A and three-phase services: over 200 A
Puget Sound Energy’s installation responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Customer’s installation responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Meter base/socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Metering circuit conduit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
CT enclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Mounting the CT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Customer requirements for switchboard metering (over 800 A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Approval drawings required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Installing current transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Three-phase services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 5
Customer generation
Responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
General requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
What to submit when applying for interconnection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Interconnection system diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Meter location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Meter socket requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Labeling requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Disconnect switch requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Disconnect switch location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Table of contents
Chapter 6
Temporary services
What this chapter contains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Three-phase temporary service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Obtaining your temporary service from existing power facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Scheduling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Customer charge for service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Temporary meter base/socket requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Temporary underground services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Meter location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Trenching and excavation requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Underground temporary service installation process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Temporary overhead services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Meter location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Service line path requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Clearance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Overhead temporary service installation process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 68
List of tables
Table 1 Service voltages available from PSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table 2 Color codes for locating utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table 3 Maximum cable runs per transformer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Table 4 Clearances for padmount transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Table 5 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for single-phase transformers, padmounted. . . 27
Table 6 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for three-phase transformers, padmounted. . . 27
Table 7 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for Y-Y grounded transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Table 8 Single-phase (nonresidential only) and all three-phase meter base/socket types . . . . . . 49
Table 9 CT enclosure dimensions (minimum). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
List of figures
Figure 1 Typical joint utility trench with primary voltage cable on your private property. . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 2 Location of customer conduit in PSE vaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 3 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for small, secondary
connection handholes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 4 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for a single-phase padmount
transformer vault. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 5 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for a three-phase padmount
transformer vault, 300 kVA or less .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Table of contents
Figure 6 PVC conduit riser placement when pole is on private property only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 7 PSE-installed underground connection handhole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 8 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for a three-phase
padmount transformer vault, 500 kVA and larger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 9 Racking of cable in vaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 10 Clearances for transformers from structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 11 Clearances for transformers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 12 Minimum clearances from oil-filled equipment to LP, hazardous liquid, or fuel tanks. . . . 23
Figure 13 Plan view of subsurface equipment clear working space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 14 Plan view of padmount equipment clear working space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 15 Guard post location requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 16 Typical guard posts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Figure 17 Permanent overhead meter pole installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Figure 18 Typical 8 in. x 8 in. x 6 in. exterior wall-mounted AMR antenna installations. . . . . . . . . . 37
Figure 19 Meter base/socket minimum clearances, without switchgear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Figure 20 Switchgear installed meter and current transformer minimum clearances . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Figure 21 Minimum clearances for recessed meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Figure 22 Typical factory-built residential multimeter panel for multifamily complex. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Figure 23 Typical multiple nonresidential meter installations for services 200 A or less. . . . . . . . . . 44
Figure 24 Typical safety socket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Figure 25 Typical arrangement of service conductors for underground commercial
single-phase 320 A service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Figure 26 Typical arrangement of service conductors for overhead commercial
single-phase 320 A service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure 27 Typical arrangement of service conductors for 120/208 V three-phase
self-contained 200 A service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Figure 28 Preferred method of conduit installation in a single-phase and three-phase
CT enclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Figure 29 Single-phase CT mounting base bracket. EUSERC 328A or 328B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Figure 30 Three-phase CT mounting base bracket. EUSERC 329A or 329B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Figure 31 Options for switchboard meters .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Figure 32 Instrument-rated CT meter bases/sockets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Figure 33 Trenching requirements for power stubout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Figure 34 Temporary underground service installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Figure 35 Minimum clearance requirements upon installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Figure 36 Temporary overhead service installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Preface
This handbook is your guide to Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) requirements for
new electric service installations of less than 600 volts for commercial, industrial,
multifamily, and nonresidential applications.
This handbook provides most, but not all, of the information and requirements that
you will need. It does not include all possible standards and specifications required
by PSE, state, federal, or local code requirements. If you need additional information,
please call PSE Customer Construction Services (CCS) at 1-888-321-7779, your
local government agency, or state inspector.
What this handbook contains

This handbook contains information on service installations for:
• Commercial and industrial buildings
• Apartment complexes
• Community wells
• Condominium complexes
• Barns and shops
If the type of service you need is not addressed in this handbook, please contact
PSE’s CCS at 1-888-321-7779.
PSE’s service General boundaries for PSE’s gas and electric service areas are available on
availability pse.com/customerconstruction. A CCS Representative can help you to determine
the closest available service line and can provide you with cost information for
establishing new service.
Electrical service equipment inspection

Once your service equipment is installed, the state of Washington or the city with
jurisdiction over your area requires that your installation pass an electrical inspection
before PSE can connect you to the system. It is your responsibility to request this
inspection.
Codes and jurisdictions

This handbook shall not be interpreted to conflict with the regulations of the state
of Washington or other regulatory bodies having jurisdiction. PSE’s metering
requirements may be more stringent. Local codes and requirements related to the
planned work should be addressed before any construction begins.
Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 1

Preface
Scheduling
Engineering, scheduling, and construction of the work will vary depending upon the
complexity of the job and the volume of work requested by PSE customers. Contact
your CCS Representative at 1-888-321-7779 for current construction scheduling.
Other electric service information

Any of Puget Sound Energy’s handbooks are available, free of charge, from PSE.
How to contact Puget Sound Energy

You can obtain further information by contacting us through the following:
• Go to pse.com/customerconstruction
• Or call PSE Customer Construction Services (CCS) at 1-888-321-7779
Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. − 5 p.m.
If you have questions about Energy Efficiency Programs:
• Go to pse.com/savingsandenergycenter
• Or call PSE Energy Advisors at 1-800-562-1482
Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. − 5 p.m.
If you have general questions regarding your account, such as changing service
or questions about your bill:
• Go to pse.com/accountsandservices/contact-us
• Or call Customer Service at 1-888-225-5773; TTY 1-800-962-9498
Monday thru Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
If you have an emergency or a service delivery issue, please call:
• Customer Service at 1-888-225-5773; TTY 1-800-962-9498
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
PSE’s service providers

PSE contracts with two partner companies to provide construction services: Potelco, Inc.
and InfraSource Construction LLC. The employees who install your service may work for
these service providers on PSE’s behalf.

Preface
Overview: new permanent and temporary electric service hookup
This information applies only if PSE has existing power facilities in your area.
If electric power is not readily available, please contact: Customer Construction
Services 1-888-321-7779 or pse.com/customerconstruction.
Commercial/ • Determine if you need overhead or underground service.

industrial and • Contact PSE to establish an account, and order your service.
multifamily
projects • Obtain an electrical work permit.
customer • Determine the service rating you want (for example, 200 A or 400 A).
responsibilities
• Determine an approved meter location.
• Notify other utilities of your project.
• Ensure that existing underground utilities are located before you dig. Call 811 at
least two working days before you dig.
• Prepare job site by providing a clear path/trench for your service line for proper
vault entrance requirements per PSE standards.
• Obtain an approved electrical inspection.
• After the electrical inspection has been completed and approved, request that
PSE install and energize your system.
PSE’s • Determine if engineering is required.

responsibilities • Install your overhead or underground permanent service line conductors.
• Install your meter and energize your system.
Scheduling/ • If engineering is not required, services are typically installed and energized
time frame 3 to 5 days after you have passed your inspection. Engineering, right-of-way
permits, etc., can extend time by 8 weeks or more.
Service charge • Charges vary due to the type of service you request and the type of system we
have in your area. Contact your CCS Representative for current rate information.

Chapter 1
Steps to a smooth permanent service installation
The installation process

Before a permanent service is energized, you are required to complete the following:
• Establish an account with PSE by calling Customer Construction Services (CCS)
at 1-888-321-7779.
• Determine the type of service needed and if that service will be underground or
overhead.
• Install required service equipment and underground service cable (if applicable).
• Obtain an electrical inspection.
• Call PSE and request that your service be energized.
Setting up an account
Before PSE can provide new service, you must establish an account. Simply call CCS at
1-888-321-7779. They will request billing information and the address for the new service
from you. If you wish, we can initiate your temporary service order at the same time.
Submitting an application for service

Call Customer Construction Services (CCS) at 1-888-321-7779 and submit Electric
Service Application Permanent Non-Residential 201E or Electric Service Multi-Family
Development 400E. All forms can be downloaded at pse.com/customerconstruction.
When you fill out the application, make sure that it is as complete as possible, and include
a copy of each of the following items (if applicable) with the application:
• Legal description of the property
• Title insurance policy, recorded warranty deed, or real estate contract
• Site plan
• Landscaping plan
• Water main plan
• Sewer main and profile plans
• Road and storm drainage plan
• Road cross-section plan
• Streetlight requirements
NOTE: Several of the above plans may be included in one drawing.

Chapter 1
Service voltages
We offer the following standard voltages for nonresidential customers:
Table 1 Service voltages available from PSE
Service type Voltage

120/208 V, 3-wire *
Single-phase
120/240 V, 3-wire **
120/208 V, 4-wire
Three-phase
277/480 V, 4-wire
* Available only if 120/208 secondary voltage exists at the location at the time you
apply for service.
** Available for loads up to a maximum demand of 100 kW.
Know what’s below: Call 811 before you dig

Before excavating, Washington law requires you to call 811 to locate underground utility
lines. Doing so will enable you to avoid potential injury, fines, costly repair of PSE utility
facilities, and electric or natural gas service disruptions. Call 811 two full business days
prior to digging. (For example, call Wednesday to dig on Monday.) When you call, an
operator will record information about your dig and notify affected utility companies,
including PSE. PSE locates and marks its own lines for free, but privately owned utility
lines must be located by a separate vendor, typically for a fee.
The locate service uses the following color codes to identify underground utilities:
Table 2 Color codes for locating utilities
Color Utility
White Proposed excavation area
Pink Temporary survey markings
Red Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and
lighting cables
Yellow Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous
materials
Orange Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables,
or conduit
Blue Potable water
Purple Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
Green Sewers and drain lines
NOTE: Use white paint to mark the area within which you want utility locations.
Once all utilities are located:
• Do not dig with machinery within 24 inches of the locate marks.
• Hand dig to expose all utilities to be crossed.

Chapter 1
Cost for service

Contact your CCS Representative or PSE Project Manager to determine the cost
for service.
Additional service costs

Voltage flicker Commercial/industrial customers—If the system will serve a facility that is purposely
and size of built to serve a single specific customer, and that customer will operate the facility
transformer and is knowledgeable about flicker, then the system shall be designed to deliver no
more than 3 percent voltage flicker at the point of service.
Multifamily customers—If a transformer is built to serve multiple customers, a
maximum of 3 percent or less is specified at the point of service. This is common to
all customers.
In your Application for Service, you must provide PSE with the locked rotor starting
currents for the largest single-phase and three-phase motors. After we determine the
size of transformer required to serve the new load of the facility, we will calculate the
percent voltage flicker (from the motor’s starting current) at the point of service and
provide that number to you.
If this voltage dip exceeds PSE’s limits based on facility type, the transformer size
must be increased to compensate for this. You will be responsible for the difference
in cost of the larger transformer, or you will need to install sufficient controls to bring
flicker back within PSE’s limits.
NOTE: We will size PSE’s facilities to provide a level of voltage flicker that is normally
acceptable to customers. If you need to be served with a higher quality of service,
contact your CCS Representative or PSE Project Manager.
Voltage drop You are responsible for calculating the overall voltage drop to your facility and
calculations determining what is an acceptable level for your facility. If you determine that the
voltage drop is unacceptable, you must determine a solution. Some possible
solutions are:
• Run separate services from PSE’s transformer for motor loads.
• Modify or upgrade your equipment or underground service cables (if applicable).
• Pay PSE to increase the size of our transformer.
• Pay PSE to provide a second transformer.

Chapter 2
Permanent underground services

This chapter provides you with information on PSE’s underground service installation.
Please follow these requirements to avoid a delay in your service hookup. If you have
any questions about this information, call Customer Construction Services (CCS) at
1-888-321-7779.
Service equipment installation responsibilities

Puget Sound PSE is responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining the primary voltage
Energy system equipment. This equipment includes primary conduit and cables, service
conductor connectors at the transformer, current transformers, meter(s), and
meter wiring.
Customer You are responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining all required service
entrance equipment, including the service entrance conduits* from the meter socket
or current transformer enclosure to PSE’s designated point of delivery.
For services where current transformers (CTs) are required, you will also need
to run gray electrical conduit from the CT enclosure to the meter base. Refer to
Chapter 4, Section 3, Current Transformer (CT) Metering (up to 800 amps) for more
information.
NOTE: PSE will supply, install, and maintain the CTs and meter wiring.
* DO NOT run a grounding wire to PSE’s point of connection at the transformer or
handhole. PSE will not connect it.
Preparing for your service hookup

The following list will help you prepare your project for the installation of an underground
service. After you complete these items, PSE will connect your service and install the
metering equipment.
1. Check for any local ordinances/covenants that may prevent you from obtaining an
underground service.
2. Complete Electric Service Application Permanent Non-Residential 201E or Electric
Service Multi-Family Development 400E.
3. Supply site drawings and load information to your CCS Representative (refer to
the submitting an application for service section in Chapter 1, Steps to a Smooth
Permanent Service Installation).
4. Contact CCS to determine where your underground service will originate.
5. Determine an approved meter location (refer to the meter locations section in
Chapter 4, General Metering Requirements).

Chapter 2
6. If required by CCS, provide an easement for any permanently installed PSE

equipment located on your property.
7. Provide payment for any preconstruction costs determined by your CCS
Representative.
8. Provide all excavation for PSE’s facilities and get an approval for the proper vault
entrance location of your conductor/conduit.
9. Provide service conductors.
10. Install required service entrance equipment.
11. Connect the meter sockets and permanently label them to indicate the part of the
premises they serve, such as unit number.
12. Obtain an approved electrical inspection.
13. Call CCS at 1-888-321-7779 to initiate a connection and energize your new service.
Cable limits for transformers

The maximum number of secondary conductors allowed for a specific transformer size is
limited to those listed below in Table 3.
Table 3 Maximum cable runs per transformer

Transformer Size and Voltage Maximum Allowed Cable Runs
(PSE-provided) (Customer-provided)
45 thru 300 kVA, 12 Runs #2 − 500 mcm OR
120/208 V secondary 10 Runs 501 − 750 mcm
45 thru 300 kVA, 12 Runs #2 - 500 mcm OR
277/480 V secondary 10 Runs 501 - 750 mcm
500 thru 750 kVA, 18 Runs #2 − 500 mcm OR
1000 kVA, 24 Runs #2 − 500 mcm OR
1000 kVA, 18 Runs #2 - 500 mcm OR

Chapter 2
Customer-provided trenches
Trench width The minimum trench width is 18 inches; however, the excavator may need to
for PSE increase the trench width depending on the other conduits/lines being installed in the
facilities trench.
When increasing the trench width, remember to allow a minimum of 12 inches of
horizontal separation between PSE’s electrical conduits/cables and gas lines.
PSE will allow customer-owned facilities within an electric power trench, if the
following minimum horizontal clearances from PSE facilities are maintained:
• 18 inches minimum for customer-owned tight-line sewer (not tile), natural
gas lines, propane gas lines, fuel oil lines, and water mains up to 6 inches in
diameter.
• 12 inches minimum for water service, irrigation pipes, lighting, security and
electric supply circuits, communications lines, culverts, and closed system roof
drains/storm drains (not French drains).
NOTE: When constrained by obstructions or clearances from other buried utility
lines/facilities, the horizontal clearance between PSE power and communications
may be reduced to 4 inches with mutual agreement from the participating
communications providers. It is your responsibility to obtain agreement from
participating communications providers for a reduced clearance when needed.
Figure 1 illustrates PSE’s width and depth requirements for primary cable voltage line
extension trenches on private property with and without a gas line present.
For trenching requirements with a gas line present, refer to the Joint Utility Mainline
Trench Excavation Requirements.
Trench routing/ The routing of a customer-provided trench must maintain a minimum of five feet from
clearances septic tanks and a minimum of ten feet from drain fields.

Chapter 2
Figure 1 Typical joint utility trench with primary voltage cable on your private property
(cross-section view)
PRIMARY POWER CABLE PRIMARY POWER CABLE

DIRECT BURIED OR DB120 CONDUIT INSTALLATION SCHEDULE 40 CONDUIT INSTALLATION
ROADSIDE 18" 24" MIN ROADSIDE 18"

TYPICAL TO EXCAVATED DIRT PILE TYPICAL 24" MIN
FINAL GRADE FINAL GRADE TO EXCAVATED DIRT PILE
BACKFILL FOR DB120

36" CONDUIT/DIRECT BURIED
MIN 12" MIN CABLE (NO ROCKS OVER 36"
COVER SEPARATION 10" DIAMETER) MIN
12" MIN BACKFILL FOR
COVER SCHEDULE 40 CONDUIT
48" SEPARATION (NO ROCKS OVER 10"
48"
MAX 6" OR 12" OF SAND, 5/8" MINUS, MAX DIAMETER)
OR CLEAN BACKFILL SHADING 1
3" OF SAND, 5/8" MINUS, OR CLEAN BACKFILL BEDDING
PHONE & TV PRIMARY POWER CABLE DIRECTLY PHONE & TV PRIMARY POWER CABLE
BURIED OR IN PSE-PROVIDED GRAY IN CUSTOMER-PROVIDED
DB120 GRADE CONDUIT SCHEDULE 40 CONDUIT
PRIMARY POWER, MAINLINE GAS, AND COMMUNICATIONS
ROADSIDE 32" 24" MIN

TYPICAL
FINAL GRADE POWER, GAS, AND COMMUNICATIONS EXCAVATED
DIRT PILE
12" MIN BACKFILL (NO ROCKS OVER 10" DIAMETER)

36" MIN SEPARATION
COVER
48" 12" MIN 12" MIN
MAX SEPARATION SEPARATION 6" OR 12" SAND SHADING AFTER COMPACTION 2
4" SAND BEDDING 1

SEE TRENCH AND BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS FOR
PRIMARY ELECTRIC LINE EXTENSION TRENCHES
(NO PSE GAS) ON PAGE 11.
GAS PRIMARY POWER
COMMUNICATIONS CABLES OR CONDUIT 2
SEE TRENCH AND BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS FOR
PRIMARY ELECTRIC LINE EXTENSION TRENCHES
(WITH PSE GAS) ON PAGE 11.

Chapter 2
Trench The following requirements for the trench must be met before power conduits/cables
excavating will be installed.
requirements • When you trench in the right-of-way on PSE’s behalf, the governing jurisdictions
for PSE issue public roadway use permits to PSE. PSE requires that you provide a
facilities signed Excavation Requirements & Final Grade Certification document that is
supplied by your PSE Project Manager.
• For trench work provided by you within a public right-of-way or a PSE easement,
PSE requires that you use a Washington State licensed and bonded contractor
and complete and sign a PSE trenching agreement form.
NOTE: Acquiring permits for excavation-related activity can take up to a month
or longer depending on the amount of material being excavated, the location of
the excavation, and the jurisdiction issuing the permit. To avoid schedule delays,
contact your PSE Project Manager for an estimated time frame for acquiring
your permits.
• The trench shall be excavated according to the trench detail, and PSE’s work
sketch.
• The trench shall be straight and the trench bottom shall be smooth, level, and
free from debris, garbage, sharp objects, or rocks larger than 4 inches.
• If PSE cable will be direct buried or in gray DB120 conduit, you must provide at
least 3 inches of sand bedding on the bottom of the trench.
• Excavated or loose material shall be placed at least 2 feet from the field edge of
the trench.
• Water shall be removed by pumping or draining.
Trench and PSE will not energize its facilities until the backfill is complete.
backfill When PSE primary cables are directly buried, or installed in gray DB120 grade
requirements conduit, you are responsible for the following:
for primary
electric line • Providing a minimum 3-inch bedding layer of sand, 5/8-inch minus, or clean
extension backfill (with rocks or solid material no larger than 5/8 inch in diameter and no
trenches (no sharp objects) placed below cables/conduits.
PSE gas) • A 12-inch shading layer of the same material above the directly buried cables or
DB120 conduit.
• If native backfill is completely free of foreign objects and rocks in excess of
8 inches in diameter, shading with sand, 5/8-inch minus, or clean backfill can be
reduced to 6 inches.
• The remaining trench shall be backfilled with soil that is free of rocks larger than
10 inches in diameter and foreign objects.
When PSE primary cables are installed in gray Schedule 40 grade conduit, you are
responsible for the following:
• Backfilling the trench with soil that is free of foreign objects and rocks larger than
10 inches in diameter. Bedding and shading of the conduit with sand, 5/8-inch
minus, or clean backfill is not required.

Chapter 2
Trench and You must provide a 12-inch layer of sand above and a 4-inch layer of sand bedding
backfill below the utilities before backfilling (see Figure 1). If native backfill is completely free
requirements of foreign objects and rocks in excess of 8 inches in diameter, sand shading over
for primary utilities can be reduced to 6 inches after compaction.
electric line
extension You are responsible for the following:
trenches (with
PSE gas) • Completing backfill as soon as practical after facilities are placed and inspected.
• Carefully placing backfill to prevent damage or movement of the cables or

conduit.
• Cost of damages to PSE facilities caused by improper backfill or compaction.
• Relocation costs due to change in grade or alignment.
CAUTION: Do not use a compactor directly over the power conduit(s) until at least
30 inches of backfill is in place so that the compactor will not damage the cables or
conduit. Do not penetrate the soil deeper than 3 inches during compaction with a
backhoe compactor.
Vault excavation requirements

You are responsible for the following:
• Excavating the vault or handhole location. The most commonly used vault types and
the required excavation dimensions are shown in Figures 3−5.
• Removing debris and leveling the bottom of the excavation with a 6-inch base of
crushed rock.
• Backfilling the excavation to finished grade at 2 inches below the vault top (if in a
landscaped area), or backfilling flush with the grade (if in a hard-surfaced area).
• Installing a felt joint around the vault top or cover when concrete is poured up to the
vault (i.e., when the vault is to be in a sidewalk).

Chapter 2
Conduit installed at vaults

You are responsible for the following:
• Grouting around your service conduits that enter into PSE vaults (except for the vault
types shown in Figure 4). Conduits may only enter through mouse-hole openings or
knockouts (see Figure 2).
• Sealing service entry conduit at PSE’s vault to prevent water from entering into your
service panel.
• Contacting CCS for entry location approval and procedures prior to extending
conduit or conduit bends into existing service vaults.
NOTE: Refer to the Customer wiring to energized PSE transformers section of this
chapter for the proper procedure for entering a PSE vault.
Figure 2 Location of customer conduit in PSE vaults
CUSTOMER’S SERVICE WIRE CONDUITS

MAY ENTER THE VAULT THROUGH
MOUSE HOLES OR KNOCKOUTS IN
THE UNSHADED AREA. DO NOT ENTER
CONDUITS THROUGH STRUCTURAL
CONCRETE SURFACES (VAULT WALL).
VAULT WALL
PSE CONDUIT
KNOCKOUTS

Chapter 2
Figure 3 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for small, secondary connection
handholes
PLAN VIEW
PSE 233 CONCRETE HANDHOLE
6'
3' - 0" 7'
2"
3' - 8"
2' - 8"
SIDE VIEW 3' - 4"
6"
CRUSHED
ROCK
CUSTOMER’S CONDUIT OR SERVICE

CABLE MUST ENTER FROM BENEATH OR
THROUGH THE ENDS OF THE HANDHOLE
PSE 3030 CONCRETE HANDHOLE PLAN VIEW
SEE MATCAT 1025-15

MID 9995597
2' - 4"
SQUARE
DOOR 6'
2' - 0"
6'
OPEN BASE
23-1/2" SQ
INSIDE
2"
2' - 6" 2' - 6"
SIDE VIEW
2' - 4" 6"
CRUSHED
ROCK
CUSTOMER’S CONDUIT OR SERVICE CABLE

MUST ENTER FROM BENEATH OR THROUGH
THE KNOCK-OUTS OF THE HANDHOLE

Chapter 2
Figure 4 Minimum dimensions and excavation requirements for a single-phase padmount

transformer vault
PLAN VIEW
SERVICE AND SECONDARY CABLES
TYPICALLY ENTER EITHER THE BACK, OR
THE BACK HALF ON THE SIDE OF A VAULT
6' - 0"
3' - 2"
STRUT A
NO SECONDARY
6' - 0"
2"
4' - 0"
3' - 6"
SIDE VIEW
3' - 6"
6"
CRUSHED
PRIMARY CABLE TYPICALLY ENTERS ROCK
EITHER THE FRONT, OR THE FRONT HALF
ON THE SIDE OF A VAULT

transformer vault, 300 kVA or less
PLAN VIEW
6"
8' - 0"
NO SECONDARY
3' - 6"
8' - 0"
2"
SIDE VIEW
4' - 4"
4' - 8" 4' - 8"
6"
CRUSHED
ROCK
NOTE: Refer to Figure 2 for the location of customer conduit entering PSE vaults.

Chapter 2
Attaching a customer’s service line to a power pole

When the As a commercial customer, you may attach, own, and maintain up to two service
power pole conduit risers on a PSE power pole (see Figure 6), when the pole is located on
is on private private property. Three or more conduit service risers require an underground
property connection handhole (see Figure 7).
If no other risers exist on the pole, attach the first 10 feet of the conduit riser(s) in
location 3 (see the plan view of Figure 6). For the location of other riser(s), contact
your CCS Representative or your Project Manager for approval prior to installation.
NOTE: All installation work performed on the pole above 10 feet from grade shall be
done by electric utility crews.
When the When PSE’s power pole is within a governmental right-of-way, PSE will install a
power pole secondary handhole on your property to provide a point of service (see Figure 7).
is in a city/ Call CCS for coordination and guidance before attaching service conduits to PSE
county/state power poles within a governmental right-of-way.
right-of-way

Chapter 2
Figure 6 PVC conduit riser placement when pole is on private property only
PLAN VIEW SIDE VIEW

ITEMS IN SHADED AREA INSTALLED BY PSE
DIRECTION OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC 10
LOCATION LOCATION
1 2
COMMON NEUTRAL
THIS PORTION IS INSTALLED BY PSE

6 7
LOCATION LOCATION
4 3 8
5" MIN
UP TO 2
CONDUITS
20'
CONDUIT
STANDOFF BRACKET 6 7
CONDUIT CLAMP 15" MIN LENGTH
Items provided and installed by customer 9
5" MIN SEPARATION

1 Up to two 15" min. long standoff brackets 1
2
2 Up to two conduit clamps
THIS PORTION IS INSTALLED BY CUSTOMER
Up to two 90˚ PVC bends (2", 3", 4", or 6"

3
preferred)
10' 4
Up to two 10-ft sch 40 PVC conduits (one per WORK 8' MIN
9'
4 service conduit) 2", 3", 4", or 6" preferred; or Sch SPACE SEE NOTE 3
80 when service conduit risers are required by NEC
1
5 Service cable (up to two runs) 2
Customer-provided items installed by PSE 12" MIN

SEE NOTE 4
6 Up to two 15" min. long standoff brackets 6"
3 24"
SEE NOTE 2
7 Up to two conduit clamps SECONDARY
Up to two 25-ft * sch 40 PVC service conduit

8
risers 5
9 Service cable (final 30-40 ft; up to two runs) PSE’S POWER POLE
10 Weatherhead
* 25 FT ASSUMES THE PSE POLE IS 45 FT OR SMALLER. LARGER POLES REQUIRE EXTRA CONDUIT
INSTALLATION NOTES:
1. All customer-provided material must be on-site for PSE to install.
2. The 1st customer-installed standoff bracket must be located 6 in. belowgrade on the pole.
3. The 2nd customer-installed standoff bracket must be located 8 ft abovegrade on the pole.
4. Customer-installed conduit riser sections shall extend 12 inches belowgrade.
The remaining abovegrade conduit risers shall be installed 9 ft abovegrade.
5. Maintain 5-in. minimum separation between the pole and conduit risers.
6. Leave sufficient service cable (Item 9) coiled for PSE crew to install through the top
25 ft riser section and complete connection to transformer(s).

Chapter 2
Figure 7 PSE-installed underground connection handhole
SECONDARY HANDHOLE
PSE-INSTALLED
FINAL GRADE
SECONDARY RISER, CONDUIT, AND SERVICE

RUN TO SECONDARY HANDHOLE. CONSULT PSE FOR NUMBER OF
PSE-INSTALLED (CUSTOMER IS STILL RUNS ALLOWED IN SECONDARY
RESPONSIBLE FOR TRENCHING) HANDHOLE. CUSTOMER-INSTALLED
Racking of cable in vaults

The following applies to 7- x 7- x 6-foot vaults for three-phase padmount transformers of
500 kVA and greater, where 12 or more runs of 500 kcmil or larger cables are installed.
Cable ladder In all 7- x 7- x 6-foot vaults, PSE will install a 30-inch x 4-foot ladder with 6-inch
spacing between rungs. The cable ladder will be positioned approximately 19 inches
from the left side of the vault wall under the cable access hole.
Cable supports Cable support racks and arms, that hold cables along the perimeter of the vault wall,
are recommended but not required by PSE.
If cable supports are installed, they shall extend a maximum of 2 feet from the vault
wall. The customer may install as many cable supports as they consider necessary.
Cable The requirements for cable training and identification are shown below.
training and • The cable shall extend a minimum of 7 feet above the transformer pad.
identification
• All cables shall be bundled together by phase.
• Cables shall be zip tied to the cable ladder rungs.
• The neutral conductor shall be positioned on the cable ladder (see Figure 9).
• The cable shall be marked with colored tape to indicate its phase. Color
extruded, jacketed conductors are also acceptable for identification.

Chapter 2

transformer vault, 500 kVA and larger
PLAN VIEW
8' - 0"
8' - 0" OR 10' - 0"
8"
11' - 0"
4' - 2"
NO SECONDARY
3' - 6"
11' - 0"
SIDE VIEW 2"
7' - 0"
7' - 0"
4' - 6"
6"
CRUSHED
ROCK
Figure 9 Racking of cable in vaults
PLAN VIEW
8' - 0"
8' - 0" OR 10' - 0"
8"
NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR 11' - 0"

PRIMARY
PHASE CONDUCTORS CONDUIT
6' - 2" (PSE)
NO SECONDARY
5' - 6"
11' - 0"
SIDE VIEW 2"
6' - 6"
6"
7' - 0" CRUSHED
7' - 0" ROCK

Chapter 2
Customer wiring to energized PSE transformers

Before installing commercial service underground cable into any energized transformer,
coordinate the work with PSE to ensure a safe installation.
Single-phase Your electrician may insert conduit 2 inches into an energized minipad transformer
minipad handhole’s wire access holes (located at its base) without a PSE journeyman’s
transformers on-site assistance.
For single-phase padmount transformer vaults with unistrut construction, you may,
at your discretion, provide a minimum 24-inch radius PVC bend for PSE to attach to
the unistrut.
Work that involves inserting or pulling cable into the minipad handhole shall be
done only:
• After the transformer has been de-energized.
• With the on-site assistance of a PSE journeyman.
To train the cable and mark the runs:
• Mark the cables and group them together.
• Label the conductors with the location and service address.
• Leave no more than 8 feet of cable coiled in the vault, neatly installed and taped
together.
Three-phase The customer’s electrician may install and grout conduit into a vault wall or insert/pull
padmount cable into three-phase transformer vaults only:
transformers • After the transformer has been de-energized.
• With the on-site assistance of a PSE journeyman.
To train the cable and mark the runs:
• Label each cable’s phase and the neutrals.
• Leave no more than 15 feet of cable coiled in the vault.

Chapter 2
Transformer locations
PSE will install padmount transformers using the clearances listed in Table 4 and shown
in Figures 10 and 11.
Clearances between padmount transformers and structures must be measured from
the metal portion of the transformer closest to the building or structure, including any
building overhangs, within the following clearances:
Table 4 Clearances for padmount transformers

Feature Clearance distance
Combustible walls or roof (including stucco). 10 feet (3 feet from a
combustible wall if using
a reduced flammability
transformer). See Figure 10.
Noncombustible walls (including brick, concrete, 3 feet. See Figure 10.
steel, and stone), provided the side of the
transformer facing the wall does not have doors.
Materials that pass UBC Standard 2-1 or ASTM
E136-79 are considered to be noncombustible.
Fire sprinkler valves, standpipes, and fire hydrants. 6 feet. See Figure 11
Doors, windows, vents, fire escapes, and other 10 feet. See Figure 11.
building openings.
The water’s edge of a swimming pool or any body 15 feet. See Figure 11.
of water.
Individual domestic and irrigation wells. 100 feet. See Figure 11.
Facilities used to dispense or store LP or 20 feet. See Figure 12.
hazardous liquids or fuels. 10 feet. See Figure 12.
Gas service meter relief vents. 3 feet. See Figure 11.

Chapter 2
Figure 10 Clearances for transformers from structures
COMBUSTIBLE BUILDING WALLS AND ROOF
COMBUSTIBLE BUILDING WALLS AND ROOF

10'
3'
10'
10'
APPROVED APPROVED
TRANSFORMER TRANSFORMER
AREA AREA
10'
3'
TRANSFORMER CLEARANCES FROM COMBUSTIBLE SURFACES REDUCED FLAMMABILITY TRANSFORMER CLEARANCES

FROM COMBUSTIBLE SURFACES
COMBUSTIBLE
NONCOMBUSTIBLE ROOF OR
ROOF AND SOFFIT
SOFFIT
3' 10'
NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDING WALLS

NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDING WALLS
3'
10'
APPROVED
TRANSFORMER
AREA
APPROVED
TRANSFORMER
AREA
3' 3'
TRANSFORMER CLEARANCES FROM TRANSFORMER CLEARANCES FROM

NONCOMBUSTIBLE SURFACES NONCOMBUSTIBLE WALLS WITH COMBUSTIBLE ROOFING

Chapter 2
Figure 11 Clearances for transformers
100' TRANSFORMER
WELL HEAD
15'
POOLS OR BODIES
OF WATER
DOOR, WINDOW,
VENT, OR OTHER
OPENING 10'
GAS
METER
RELIEF SPRINKLER VALVE,
VENT STANDPIPE, OR
FUEL HYDRANT
TANK 3'
TRANSFORMER
6'
10' FIRE ESCAPE
20'
Figure 12 Minimum clearances from oil-filled equipment to LP, hazardous liquid, or fuel tanks
6'
MIN OIL-FILLED
ELECTRICAL
20' EQUIPMENT
MIN
LP TANK
LP TANK
TOP VIEW
OIL-FILLED
ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT
10'
MIN
DIKE OF ADEQUATE HEIGHT TO

CONTAIN OIL AND NOT ALLOW IT
TO FLOW TOWARDS THE LP TANK

Chapter 2
Landscaping and other obstacles

Landscaping and other obstructions shall not encroach on the clearances shown in
Figures 13 and 14.
Working space
A clear and level working area equal to the full width of the equipment operating
compartments shall extend a minimum of 10 feet from the compartment opening for
padmount equipment and 6 feet in front of subsurface equipment in vaults (see
Figures 13 and 14).
A minimum of 3 feet of clear working area for subsurface equipment and 18 inches
for padmount equipment (see Figures 13 and 14) shall be provided on the sides of the
electrical equipment without operating compartments (including sides with cooling fins).
A clearance of 36 inches is required on padmounted equipment with cooling fins (see
Figure 14).
Figure 13 Plan view of subsurface equipment clear working space
3' MIN
CLEAR WORKING
SPACE
3' 6'
MIN MIN
3' MIN CLEAR WORKING

SPACE

Chapter 2
Figure 14 Plan view of padmount equipment clear working space
VAULT LID 18" MIN

CLEAR
36" WORKING
MIN SPACE
EQUIPMENT
ACCESS DOOR
10' MIN
EQUIPMENT CLEAR
ACCESS DOOR WORKING
COOLING SPACE
FINS
18" MIN
Guard posts for padmount and subsurface equipment

Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requires guard posts around padmounted
equipment that is exposed to vehicular traffic. PSE guard post location requirements are
shown in Figure 15. You are required to supply and install these guard posts or pay PSE
to supply and install them.
Figure 15 Guard post location requirements
GUARD POSTS
TYPICAL 8' X 8'
CONCRETE PAD 5' 5'
MAX MAX
3'
MIN
5' 5'
MAX MAX
TYPICAL
TRANSFORMER
18" 18"
MIN MIN
5' 5'
MAX MAX
4' MAX
3'
MIN ACCESS
5' 5' DOOR SWING
MAX MAX
NOTE: Installation of guard posts must be completed before the primary cable
is installed and energized.

Chapter 2
Approved The following styles of guard posts are approved for PSE transformers:
guard posts • Schedule 40 or better galvanized steel pipe filled with concrete, 6 feet x 4 inches
in diameter. The concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of
3,000 psi after 28 days. The exposed section of the post shall be painted traffic
yellow.
• Precast steel-reinforced concrete post, 6 feet x 9 inches in diameter. These
posts are available from Utility Vault Company, Auburn, WA; or Hanson Inc.,
Tacoma, WA. The exposed portion of the post shall be painted traffic yellow.
• Set the post 30 inches deep in undisturbed soil. If soil has been disturbed, use
concrete to stabilize the post.
• Backfill the holes with concrete.
Figure 16 illustrates both styles of guard posts.
Figure 16 Typical guard posts
GALVANIZED STEEL FILLED

WITH CONCRETE PRECAST CONCRETE
CONCRETE DOME TOP 1" DIAMETER LIFT HOLE
3' - 6" 3' - 6"

LENGTH LENGTH
PAINTED PAINTED
YELLOW YELLOW
6' - 0" 6' - 0"

CONCRETE CONCRETE
30"
6" 6"
6" 9" 6"
4"

Chapter 2
Fault current levels

The most commonly used padmounted transformers installed by PSE are shown in
Tables 5, 6, and 7.
The tables below also show the maximum available short-circuit current at the
transformer’s secondary connection point.
Table 5 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for single-phase transformers, padmounted
Type Secondary kVA R/X 120 V 240 V
Voltage Winding Winding
Min %Z Fault Min %Z Fault
Current Current
1-Phase 240/120 25 0.8 2.23 9300 1.7 6100
PM
37.5 0.7 2.23 14000 1.7 9200
50 0.6 2.23 18700 1.7 12300
75 0.5 2.34 26700 1.8 17400

100 0.5 2.30 36200 1.8 23100
167 0.5 2.43 57300 1.9 36600
Table 6 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for three-phase transformers, padmounted
Type Secondary kVA R/X Minimum 3 Phase &/or L-G
Voltage %Z Fault Current
3-Phase 208Y/120 45 0.8 1.65 7600
PM 112.5 0.3 1.65 19000
150 0.3 1.55 26900
225 0.2 2.15 29100
300 0.3 2.10 39700
500 0.2 2.30 60300
750 0.1 5.30 39300
1000 0.1 5.30 52400
480Y/277 45 0.8 1.65 3300
112.5 0.3 1.65 8200
150 0.3 1.55 11600
225 0.2 2.15 12600
300 0.3 2.10 17200
500 0.2 2.30 26100
750 0.1 5.30 17000
1000 0.1 5.30 22700
1500 0.1 5.30 34000
2000 0.1 5.30 45400
2500 0.1 5.30 56700

AUGUST 2017 UPDATE
Chapter 2
Table 7 Maximum short circuit current (in amps) for Y-Y grounded transformers
Type Secondary kVA R/X Minimum 3 Phase &/or L-G
Voltage %Z Fault Current
Three 1-phase 208Y/120 30 2.10 4000
OH & UG
Banks 45 0.9 2.00 6200
75 0.8 1.70 12200
112.5 0.7 1.70 18400
150 0.6 1.70 24500
225 0.5 1.80 34700
300 0.5 1.80 46300
500 0.5 1.90 73000
480Y/277 30 2.10 1700
45 0.9 2.16 2500
75 0.8 1.90 4800
112.5 0.7 1.70 8000
150 0.6 1.70 10600
225 0.5 1.80 15000
300 0.5 1.80 20100
500 0.5 1.90 31700
1000 2.20 54600
1500 2.30 78500

Chapter 3
Permanent overhead services

This chapter provides you with information on PSE’s permanent overhead service
installation. Please follow these requirements to avoid a delay in your service hookup.
If you have any questions about this information, call Customer Construction Services
(CCS) at 1-888-321-7779.
Service equipment installation responsibilities

Puget Sound PSE is responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining the primary system
Energy equipment, overhead service wire, current transformers, meter(s), and meter wiring.
Customer You are responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining all required service
entrance equipment, including the service entrance conductors from the meter base/
socket or current transformer enclosure to PSE’s designated point of delivery. The point
of delivery for overhead service is at the connectors on the weatherhead.
For services where current transformers (CTs) are required, you will also need to run
conduit from the CT enclosure to the meter base. Refer to Chapter 4, Section 3,
Current Transformer (CT) Metering Requirements (up to 800 A) for more information.
Preparing for your service hookup

The following list will help you prepare your project for the installation of an overhead
service. After you complete these items, PSE will install the metering equipment and
connect your service.
1. Check for any local ordinances/covenants that may prevent you from obtaining an
overhead service.
2. Complete Electric Service Application Permanent Non-Residential 201E or Electric
Service Multi-Family Development 400E. All forms can be downloaded at
pse.com/customerconstruction.
3. Supply site drawings and load information to your CCS Representative (refer to the
Submitting an Application for Service section in Chapter 1).
4. Contact CCS to determine where your overhead service will originate.
5. Determine an approved meter location (refer to the Meter locations in Section 1,
General Metering Requirements, of Chapter 4, Meter Installation).
6. Verify that the service mast height requirements have been met.
7. Provide and maintain a path, clear of obstructions, between PSE’s pole and your
service mast.
8. Provide payment for any preconstruction costs determined by your CCS
Representative.

Chapter 3
9. Install the required service equipment.

10. Provide and install service entrance conductors (leave a minimum of 18 inches
exposed at the weatherhead).
11. Connect the meter bases/sockets and permanently label them to indicate the part
of the premises they serve, such as unit number.
12. Obtain an approved electrical inspection.
13. Call CCS at 1-888-321-7779 to initiate connection and energize your new service.
Service mast requirements

All requirements for the installation of the service mast are located in the National
Electric Code (NEC) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-46B. The
following are PSE-specific requirements.
Height PSE can assist you with determining the proper service mast height. Call CCS at
requirements 1-888-321-7779 for assistance.
Clearances from A minimum radial clearance of 3 feet is required between electric service equipment
gas meters and the natural gas meter pressure relief vent.
Additional mast Additional mast supports, typically a guy or a brace, are required for any service line
supports over 100 feet in length.
Screw-in service knobs

For new or altered overhead service lines, you must provide a substantial point of
attachment that meets NEC requirements.
Older screw-in type service knobs attached to the home’s wall are often inadequate
to support modern triplexed service lines. PSE may prohibit use of service knobs if
deemed inadequate.

Chapter 3
Installing the service equipment

List of You are responsible for installing the following:
customer- • Meter base/socket
provided
service • Current transformer (CT) enclosure and conduit between the meter base/socket,
entrance if required
equipment • Service mast
• Insulated clevis for service attachment
• Service entrance conductor
• Ground rods
NOTE: PSE will install the service line and meter, as well as CTs and meter wiring if they
are required.
Terrain Meter base/socket locations are covered in Chapter 4, Section 1 of this handbook.
considerations However, consider the type of terrain the electrical service line will cross when choosing
for meter base/ a meter location. PSE strongly suggests avoiding service line routes that cross a
socket locations driveway. Service lines crossing driveways can be hit by vehicles, causing damage to
the service equipment or structure.
Contact CCS at 1-888-321-7779 for the minimum height clearance requirements of

overhead service wires.
If the service line will pass through any trees, you are required to prune those trees
to provide a clear path for the service line. You are also responsible for regular tree
pruning, and if necessary, tree removal to keep the path clear.
Customer-owned meter pole

Meter pole If a meter pole is required for the project, it is your responsibility to purchase and install
requirements it. The meter pole must meet the following requirements:
• Be sound, round, and made out of wood
• Fully pressure treated
• Class 6 or better
• 30 feet long minimum (25 feet with prior approval)
• Minimum diameter of 5-1/2 inches at the top
• Butt gain cut 12 feet from the bottom of the pole
NOTE: Multiple meter installations shall be approved by PSE’s Meter Department.
Meter pole Meter poles must be:

locations • Accessible for reading and testing the meter
• Installed within 30 feet of the commercial building (typically)
Meter pole Meter pole installations must be:

installation • Buried a minimum of 10 percent of the pole’s length plus 2 feet. If soil conditions
are poor, use crushed rock as a substitute for backfill to stabilize the pole.
• Guyed if the service line crosses a public road or if the distance between the meter
pole and PSE’s pole is greater than 70 feet. A push brace or pole key brace may
be used if guy space is not available.
Chapter 3
Figure 17 Permanent overhead meter pole installation
OVERHEAD TO UNDERGROUND OVERHEAD TO OVERHEAD
UTILITY-OWNED CUSTOMER-OWNED UTILITY-OWNED CUSTOMER-OWNED

AND INSTALLED AND INSTALLED AND INSTALLED AND INSTALLED
8 8
1 1
POINT OF POINT OF
ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT
POINT OF POINT OF
DELIVERY 7 DELIVERY 7
6 6
OVERHEAD SERVICE
LOAD IF APPLICABLE
5
9 5
9
2 2
6' MAX 6' MAX
5' PREFERRED 5' PREFERRED
4' MIN 3 4' MIN 3
10% OF POLE 10% OF POLE 4

LENGTH, +2' 4 LENGTH, +2'
ANCHOR ROD* ANCHOR ROD *
* ANCHORS SHOULD BE EITHER SCREW TYPE OR CROSS-PLATE TYPE.
Items owned and installed by customer Items owned and installed by PSE
1 Customer-owned meter pole 8 Service line
2 Meter base/socket 9 Meter
3 Ground wire, in accordance with NEC/WAC
4 Ground rods, in accordance with NEC/WAC
Down guy, 5/16" minimum diameter
noncorrosive stranded steel wire required
5 for services over 70 ft from PSE pole. Push
brace or pole key brace may be substituted
for down guy.
Service entrance conductors - 18" out of
6
weatherhead
7 Insulated clevis

Chapter 4
Meter installation
This chapter provides you with information on PSE’s metering requirements. Please
follow these requirements to avoid a delay in your service hookup. If you have any
questions about this information, call Customer Construction Services (CCS) at
1-888-321-7779.
NOTE: Services of 400 A or greater require the approval of PSE Meter Engineering.
A PSE Project Manager will coordinate this process.
This chapter is divided into three sections:
Section 1: General Metering Requirements
Meter installations requirements such as meter location, clearances, and multiple meter
installations.
Section 2: Self-Contained Metering Requirements
For single-phase service 400 A or less, and three-phase services 200 A or less.
Section 3: Current Transformer (CT) Metering Requirements (up to 800 A)
For services up to 800 A and switchboard metering for services over 800 A.
Other contacts
If you have Net Metering or cogeneration questions please email netmetering@pse.com.
Section 1: General metering requirements
Metering equipment responsibilities
Puget Sound PSE will furnish, install, and maintain the following equipment:
Energy • Revenue meters
• Current transformers (CT)
• CT meter wiring
• The connectors where your service line interconnects with PSE’s equipment.

SEPTEMBER 2017 UPDATE
Chapter 4
Customer You will be responsible for furnishing, installing, and maintaining the following
equipment (located beyond the point of delivery):
• Meter bases/sockets
• All necessary wiring and connections (except CT meter wiring)
• Switches
• Enclosures
• Gray electrical conduit
• Protection equipment
Other customer responsibilities

Installing or Only authorized and qualified PSE personnel shall cut seals and remove or install
removing meters.
meters by However, under emergency conditions, exceptions may be granted to qualified
a qualified electricians by contacting CCS at 1-888-321-7779 Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. − 5 p.m.
electrician Outside of these hours, please call Customer Service at 1-888-225-5773.
When this occurs, the qualified electrician shall accept all liability for damage or
alteration to equipment, injury to persons or property, and loss of revenue to PSE
from the time the seal is removed until 72 hours after PSE has been notified that the
equipment is ready to be resealed. The customer or contractor shall promptly notify
PSE when repairs or modifications are complete.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when removing and installing meters. Depending
upon the type of service or meter base, removal of the meter does not necessarily
de-energize service.
Inspections and Before a new service is energized, the installation shall be inspected and approved by
approvals the governing city or state electrical inspector.
Sealing CT enclosures, switchgear, gutters that contain unmetered conductors, and metering
provisions on equipment shall have provisions for sealing.
enclosures
Service Metered circuits shall not enter raceways or enclosures containing unmetered circuits,
conductors except for meter loops on poles.
All conductors shall be securely fastened in their terminals. Aluminum conductor
connections require corrosion inhibitor (electrical joint compound).
Grounding All meter bases/sockets, enclosures, and conduit shall be bonded and grounded in
accordance with Articles 230 and 250 of the latest edition of the NEC.
When self-contained meter bases/sockets are used, the neutral conductor shall be
connected to the neutral terminal in the socket.

Chapter 4
Labeling Where multiple meters or remote meters are installed, meter base/sockets shall
be permanently labeled to indicate the address they serve. PSE requires engraved
phenolic nameplates or adhesive die-cut labels at least 1-inch high and lettering a
minimum of 3/4 inches high. Service will not be established until marking is complete.
NOTE: Felt-tip pens and label maker tape are not considered permanent marking.
Customer The customer’s load monitoring equipment shall be installed only on the load side of
equipment PSE’s metering. No customer equipment shall be allowed inside a meter or current
transformer enclosure. This includes customer load monitoring and control devices.
NOTE: Meter base/socket and current transformer enclosures shall not be used as a
junction box.
Current-limiting Current-limiting fuses to protect the customer’s electrical system from high fault current
fuses shall not be installed in meter bases/sockets, instrument transformer enclosures, or
PSE’s distribution transformers. They may be installed in the customer’s service panel
or in a separate enclosure between the socket and the panel. Current-limiting fuses are
not allowed ahead of the meter or CT enclosure.
Meter locations
Location NOTE: Contact your PSE Project Manager or CCS to initiate the PSE Meter
requirements Engineering review and approval process. All meter locations shall meet the
requirements written in this handbook.
You are required to provide a location to install metering equipment. The meter location
must be free from obstruction, corrosive atmosphere, and abnormal temperature or
vibration, and must be convenient to PSE’s distribution system.
All meters, instrument transformers, and PSE-owned meter equipment shall be installed
at ground-level locations (except for high-rise residential structures) that are accessible
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for meter reading, maintenance, and installation or
removal.
NOTE: Mezzanines are not considered to be at ground level and are not acceptable for
the location of PSE meter equipment.
The meter base/socket shall be installed outside on schools, churches, halls, or other
similar structures that may be locked during normal business hours.
Prohibited Meters or metering equipment shall not be installed at any of the following locations:
locations • Below the first level of a building.
• In commercial occupancies they do not serve.
• Any place where safety may be compromised.
• On poles owned by PSE.
• On any line pole occupied solely by the telephone company, except to serve
telephone company equipment.

Chapter 4
Meter location If you are installing an overhead service to a manufactured commercial structure, our
requirements for service equipment can be installed on the manufactured commercial structure or on a
manufactured customer-owned meter pole.
commercial Meter bases/sockets installed on manufactured commercial structures are required
structures to be:
(school
portables, • Located on an outside wall of your structure and accessible for reading and testing.
industrial • Installed 4 to 6 feet above finished grade with a service mast that meets
modular office, NEC requirements.
etc.)
• The proper type for the service (see Table 8).
Meter bases/sockets must not be installed:
• In a breezeway.
• In an area that is subject to being fenced.
Electrical room requirements

Meter bases/sockets, where an exterior location is not available for metering equipment
and CT enclosures, must be located inside an electrical room that shall be used solely
for power and communication equipment and fire equipment as approved
by NEC.
NOTE: The electrical room shall be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additionally, the equipment room shall be well lit and not used for storage.
You must provide the following:
• Door. A door, equipped with panic bars, that leads directly to the outside, or with
prior approval from the PSE Meter Engineering, directly off a publicly accessible
lobby of the structure’s main entrance that is not restricted by security. The size of
the door shall be a minimum of 2 feet 8 inches x 6 feet 8 inches.
• Keybox. A location within 6 inches of the electric meter room door for the
installation of a keybox, a key fitting the electrical room door for the keybox, and
a sign on the exterior of the door stating “Electrical Room.” If multiple electrical
rooms are needed, each electrical room door shall have a dedicated keybox
with key.
NOTE: If door locks are changed, it is your responsibility to contact CCS to coordinate
the exchange of new keys.
• Vehicle clearance inside parking garage. If the electrical room is inside a parking
garage at grade level, the minimum vehicle clearance is 8 feet 6 inches for the
entire parking level.
• Conduit for AMR antenna. A 2-inch gray PVC conduit, from each electrical room
to a NEMA 3R enclosure used for the automated meter reading (AMR) antenna.
»» The conduit shall have a maximum of 360 degrees in total bends and be no
more than 25 lineal feet total length.
»» If a single meter is installed within the electrical room, the total length of the
conduit may be extended to 70 lineal feet.
»» Contact CCS if the conduit length is greater than 25 feet.
»» Antenna enclosure requirements are shown in Figure 18.
»» A 1/8-inch minimum pull string is to be provided in the conduit.
• Conduits for AMR antenna shall be labeled “PSE Use Only” in meter room(s).

Chapter 4
• Conduit pathway for high-rise residential only. If the building has multiple
aboveground electrical rooms where meters are located, a 2-inch PVC conduit
pathway connecting all of the equipment rooms shall be provided for the
AMR antenna cable.
»» From the top level electrical room, provide a 2-inch conduit to a NEMA 3R
enclosure mounted on the roof of the building.
»» Mount the enclosure above the building facade and other obstructions.
Preferred locations are adjacent to or on top of the rooftop mechanical room
or within antenna farm locations (see Figure 18).
• NEMA 3R antenna enclosure. A NEMA 3R antenna enclosure shall be located on
the first story outside wall 8 to 10 feet aboveground for buildings with one electrical
room.
• 2-foot-square piece of 3/4-inch plywood. A 2-foot-square piece of 3/4-inch
plywood shall be mounted on the wall of the electrical room for an AMR repeater.
Mount the plywood 4 to 6 feet above the floor near the antenna conduit entry
location into the room. Provide a dedicated 120 V receptacle adjacent to the
plywood.
Figure 18 Typical 8 in. x 8 in. x 6 in. exterior wall-mounted AMR antenna installations
DISC ANTENNA ENCLOSURE 14" ANTENNA ENCLOSURE
ANTENNA (PSE PROVIDED)
14"
EXTERIOR TO ELECTRICAL ROOM 4" 2"

BUILDING EXTERIOR
WALL NEMA 3R
6" ENCLOSURE BUILDING
(CUSTOMER- WALL
LMR 400 CABLE
(OR LIKE) PROVIDED) LMR 400 CABLE
PSE-PROVIDED (OR LIKE)
PSE-PROVIDED
8"
LOW-PROFILE 8"
DISC ANTENNA
2" CONDUIT (R=2.25")
(CUSTOMER- PSE-PROVIDED
2" CONDUIT
PROVIDED) (CUSTOMER-PROVIDED)
RG-58U CABLE
CONNECTOR
NEMA 3R ENCLOSURE
(CUSTOMER-PROVIDED)
CONNECTOR

Chapter 4
Electrical room locations in high-rise buildings

Electrical rooms in high-rise* buildings shall be coordinated with PSE Meter Engineering
during the design stage of construction, and approved prior to construction. Electrical
rooms may be allowed on every third floor within high-rise residential buildings.
* PSE will consider buildings five stories and taller as “high rise” for the purposes of
this section.
Meter bases/sockets
General Meter bases/sockets and enclosures shall be acceptable to PSE, accepted by an

requirements approved testing laboratory, and must fulfill these requirements:
• All meter bases/sockets shall be ring-type and shall include either a screw-type
locking ring (preferred) or a stainless steel snap ring.
• Sockets for nonresidential loads require a manual block bypass. Automatic circuit
closures or lever bypasses are not acceptable.
• Any meter base/socket containing energized equipment shall be covered and
sealed with a transparent cover plate if a meter is not installed.
• Meters shall be installed only in sockets that are level, plumb, and securely
fastened to the structure.
• Meter base/sockets shall be permanently labeled to indicate the address they
serve. PSE requires engraved phenolic nameplates or adhesive die-cut labels at
least 1-inch high and lettering a minimum of 3/4 inches high. Service will not be
established until marking is complete.
• All unused openings of the meter base/socket enclosure shall be closed with
plugs that are secured tightly in place from inside the enclosures before a meter is
installed.
• All meter equipment exposed to weather shall be raintight according to the National
Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) 3R minimum.
• Terminals shall be marked with a conductor range for aluminum or copper
conductors. When aluminum conductors are used, the socket must be approved
and clearly marked by the manufacturer for that use.
• CT enclosures, switchgear, gutters that contain unmetered conductors, and
metering equipment shall have provisions for sealing.
CAUTION: Strands shall not be removed to make conductors fit undersized terminals.
Meter bases/sockets shall not be jumped to provide power.
Determining To determine meter base/socket types for specific voltages and amperage ratings use
meter base/ Table 8.
socket type

Chapter 4
Meter base/ NOTE: The center of the meter base/socket is always the point of reference.
socket
clearances
For... Clearance
Base/Socket height Meter base/socket height shall be 4 feet minimum to

6 feet maximum (5 feet preferred) above finished grade
or floor (see Figure 19).
Working space • Working space in front of metering equipment not

installed in switchgear (including current transformer
enclosures) shall be at least 3 feet wide and 3 feet
deep, measured from the front of the enclosure or
meter face (see Figure 19). Plants, shrubs, and trees
shall not be planted in this space.
• Working space in front of PSE metering equipment
installed in switchgear shall be at least 6 feet deep
and extend the full width of the section containing
PSE equipment (see Figure 20).
• All meter locations must maintain 6-feet of worker
headroom.
• The center of all meter base/socket enclosures shall
be a minimum of 18 inches from adjacent walls,
ceilings, or other similar obstructions (see Figure 19).
• All service equipment, including disconnect switches,
shall be a minimum of 10 inches from the meter’s
center.
• Building siding shall not cover or overlap the meter
base/socket.
Minimum clearance
The diagrams and the measurements provided in
from gas meter
Gas and Electric Underground Service Installation
Requirements show the required minimum distances
between building features and the relief vent.
Recessed meters When a meter base/socket enclosure is recessed in

the building wall, a flush-type socket is required and
mounted flush with the exterior wall. Recessed meter
bases/sockets require a clearance of 10 inches in all
directions between the center of the meter and the
closest portion of the wall (see Figure 21).

Chapter 4
Figure 19 Meter base/socket minimum clearances, without switchgear
TOP VIEW
18" MIN
3' MIN WORKING

SPACE
18" MIN
8'
3' MIN MAX 4' MIN
6'
MIN 6' MAX
HEADROOM 5' PREFERRED
(SEE WORKING
SPACE ON
PAGE 39)
6" MIN
3' MIN
3' MIN
Figure 20 Switchgear installed meter and current transformer minimum clearances
6 FEET OF CLEAR
WORKING SPACE
IS REQUIRED
ALONG THE FULL
6' WIDTH OF THE
MIN SWITCHGEAR
HEADROOM SECTION WITH
(SEE WORKING PSE EQUIPMENT.
SPACE ON
PAGE 39)
*W
6'
DIMENSION *W=WIDTH OF CUSTOMER
SPECIFIED SWITCHGEAR

Chapter 4
Figure 21 Minimum clearances for recessed meters
10" MIN
10" MIN
4"
MAX
SIDING OR
BRICK FACADE
EXTERIOR WALL
Remote metering
Normally, a meter base/socket and associated devices (current transformers, etc.) are
attached to a permanent or fixed structure, such as a building, that contains the load
being served. Remote metering is allowed if there is no permanent or fixed structure for
the load, or when otherwise agreed to by PSE Meter Engineering.
Remote metering consists of a meter on a meter pedestal, located within 50 feet of the
load or the PSE equipment that serves the customer and must be accessible to vehicles.
Remote metering is allowed generally for:
• City, county, or state streetlights and traffic lights;
• Homeowners’ associations; and
• Railroads.
All remote metering requires PSE Meter Engineering approval before construction begins.
Contact CCS if you require remote metering.

Chapter 4
Meter pedestal Meter pedestals must meet the specifications of EUSERC Section 300 (Metering
requirements and Service Equipment 0 − 600 V), and drawings 308, with the following additional
for remote specifications for the meter base/socket:
metering • The meter base/socket shall be a 200 A Form 12S with the fifth jaw in the 9 o’clock
position.
• The test/bypass safety disconnect shall meet EUSERC drawings 311 or 312.
• Enclosed metering for protection from vandalism must meet EUSERC drawings
300 and 308 and PSE pedestal clearance and socket requirements. Installations
that do not meet these requirements will need written permission from PSE Meter
Engineering to proceed.
• Drawings shall be submitted for approval by the manufacturer, noting the EUSERC
and PSE drawings and specifications used.
• Meter pedestals shall be on structures such as masonry, concrete, or metal.
• Meter pedestals exposed to vehicular traffic (other than those used for traffic
management loads) shall be protected by guard posts as described in the Guard
posts for padmount and subsurface equipment section in Chapter 2, Permanent
Overhead Services.
• Single-phase remote services 60 A or less can be mounted on a 6- x 6-inch fully
pressure-treated wood post. The minimum height of the meter shall be 3 feet.
Meter pedestal The metering pedestal must be located so that the access for the metering and pull
location section are free of surrounding obstructions, with at least 36 inches of working space
clearance surrounding the equipment.
Safe parking shall be available within 50 feet of the meter.
Remote service • Remote services 800 A or less for nonresidential loads shall be mounted on
requirements permanent support structures that are made of galvanized steel pipe with unistrut
based on cross-braces, concrete, or masonry blocks. Support structures made of wood
service (treated or not) are unacceptable.
ampacity »» The customer shall provide a 3-foot x 3-foot x 3-inch-thick concrete pad
surrounding the meter or holes 2 feet deep that are filled with concrete to
anchor the structure.
»» The minimum height of the meter shall be 3 feet.
»» Other requirements specified in this handbook for meter bases/sockets and
CT enclosures apply.
• Remote services greater than 800 A − Remote services 800 A or greater require
EUSERC outdoor switchgear. Ask your CCS Representative for more information.

Chapter 4
Multiple meter installations

Multifamily On residential multimeter panels, the minimum spacing between socket centers shall be
7-1/2 inches horizontally, 8-1/2 inches vertically, and the center line shall be a minimum
of 3 feet and a maximum of 6 feet above the floor or finished grade. This configuration
allows for five (5) vertical sockets maximum.
Multimeter installations serving residential living units shall comply with the equipment
arrangement requirements are shown in Figure 22.
Meter base/socket jumpers shall not be used to serve house meters. House meters
shall be served in the following ways:
• A dedicated set of service entrance conductors.
• A tap on the bussing of residential multimeter panels.
• All-in-one factory assembled multimeter panels.
NOTE: PSE requires house meters to have manual block bypasses.
Figure 22 Typical factory-built residential multimeter panel for multifamily complex
10" 7-1/2" NONRESIDENTIAL METERS

MIN MIN
RESIDENTIAL
METERS
APT 1 APT 2 APT 3 8-1/2"

MIN
MAIN
DISCONNECT APT 11 APT 12 APT 13
4' MIN
6' 5' PREFERRED
APT 21 APT 22 APT 23 MAX 6' MAX
SERVICE 3' SERVICE

ENTRANCE MIN ENTRANCE
FLOOR OR FINISHED GRADE
PSE SECONDARY
HANDHOLE OR
NOTE: HOUSE METER BASES/SOCKETS TRANSFORMER VAULT TYPICALLY LOCATED NEAR
REQUIRE A MANUAL BLOCK BYPASS THE PROPERTY LINE

Chapter 4
Nonresidential On nonresidential multiple meter panels, the minimum spacing between socket centers
shall be 12 inches horizontally, 12 inches vertically, and the meter shall be a minimum of
3 feet and a maximum of 6 feet above the floor or finished grade.
Meters shall be adequately protected from mechanical damage. Factory-built multiple
meter equipment shall be approved by the PSE Meter Engineering. A typical example of
a nonresidential multiple meter installation is shown in Figure 23.
Figure 23 Typical multiple nonresidential meter installations for services 200 A or less
12"
MIN
232 NE 10ST. 234 NE 10ST. 236 NE 10ST. 238 NE 10ST 238 NE 10ST.
SUITE A SUITE B
12"
MIN
4' MIN
5' PREFERRED
6' MAX
LOAD
SERVICE ENTRANCES
FLOOR OR FINISHED GRADE
NOTES:
Clearances in this drawing (nonresidential) also apply for factory-built multiple meter
panels, except that meters may be a minimum of 3 feet above floor.
Meter bases/sockets require a manual block bypass.
More than six meters requires a main disconnect per NEC.
277/480 V series shall have a service disconnect ahead of each meter and a safety
socket.
Multiple meter Meter bases/sockets shall be permanently labeled to indicate the part of the premises
base/socket they serve (i.e., unit number). PSE requires engraved phenolic nameplates or adhesive
labeling die-cut labels at least 1 inch high. Service will not be established until marking is
complete.

Chapter 4
Section 2: Self-contained metering requirements

Single-phase services: 400 A or less and three-phase services: 200 A or less
Meter base/socket main disconnect combinations

Meter base/socket and circuit breaker combinations are acceptable for 0−320 A,
single-phase, and 0−200 A, three-phase services, provided the meter base/socket
section meets PSE’s manual block bypass, sealing, equipment sequence, and
dimensional requirements.
Manual All self-contained nonresidential meter bases/sockets (except single-phase temporary

block bypass services and Rate Schedule 8) require a manual block bypass (see Table 8). Automatic
requirements circuit closures or lever bypasses are not acceptable.
NOTE: Schedule 8 is used for single-family customers that have a separate service
for well pumps (serving no more than two residences), barns, outbuildings, or other
loads on the same property as the residence. For this type of service PSE will install the
secondary service line.
Disconnecting All services with self-contained meters shall have the meter ahead of the disconnect
means and its switch, except for 277/480 V services, where the safety disconnect is ahead of the
sequence meter. The safety disconnect must be colocated within 5 feet of the meter. A fused
disconnect is preferred.
Each meter shall have a corresponding disconnect. A single disconnect is not permitted
for multiple meters.
Single-phase 480 V streetlight metering requires a disconnect ahead of the meter.
Safety sockets A safety socket is required for self-contained 480 V sockets (see Table 8).
Load balancing
When 120/208 V, three-phase transformers provide single-phase service, it is your
responsibility to identify the service conductors and balance the load on the transformer.
Service conductor connections

Service conductor connections should meet these requirements:
• Line-side conductors shall always be connected to the top terminals of the meter
base/socket.
• You are responsible for ensuring that the connection of service entrance conductors
in the meter base/socket are inspected and tightened before the service is energized.
• Where safety sockets are used, circuit-connecting nuts shall be properly torqued (see
Figure 24).
NOTE: Meters will not be installed unless these connections are tight.
• Meters will not be installed if conductors place undue strain on the terminal facilities.
• Terminals shall be rated for the size of conductor to be used.
• Service conductors shall be arranged in the socket to avoid interfering with the meter
installation or operation of the manual block bypass (see Figures 25−27).
CAUTION: Strands shall not be removed to make conductors fit undersized terminals.
Chapter 4
Figure 24 Typical safety socket
LINE LOAD
NOTE: All 277/480 V self-contained meters 200 A or less shall have an accessible
disconnecting means ahead of each meter(s); a fused disconnect is preferred.
NOTE: In three-phase delta 120/240 V services, the high leg shall be only on the right
side of the meter base.
Figure 25 Typical arrangement of service conductors for underground commercial single-phase

320 A service
NOTE:
METER BASE/SOCKET
MUST BE GROUNDED PER NEC.
BYPASS STUDS BYPASS STUDS

LOAD
LUGS
LINE LUG LINE LUG
NEUTRAL BLOCK
8-1/2"
MIN
CUSTOMER WIRES
3" RIGID STEEL OR PVC REQUIRED FOR 320 A

SCHEDULE 8 SERVICES. (MAY BE LOCATED IN THE
BOTTOM CORNER OPPOSITE THE NEUTRAL BLOCK
OR CENTER OF THE ENCLOSURE)

Chapter 4
Figure 26 Typical arrangement of service conductors for overhead commercial single-phase

320 A service
SERVICE ENTRANCE
CONDUCTORS
CUSTOMER-INSTALLED
NOTE: METER
BASE/SOCKET
MUST BE
GROUNDED
PER NEC.
LINE LUG LINE LUG
BYPASS STUDS BYPASS STUDS
LOAD LUG LOAD LUG
NEUTRAL BLOCK
CUSTOMER
WIRES
NOTE: Line lugs shall be turned 180˚ to allow proper insertion of wire and to keep from
blocking bypass area.
Figure 27 Typical arrangement of service conductors for 120/208 V three-phase self-contained

200 A service
SERVICE ENTRANCE
CONDUCTORS
CUSTOMER-INSTALLED
BYPASS BLOCK
CUSTOMER
WIRES
LOAD
NOTE: Service wires shall be installed behind bypass block so operation of bypass is
not restricted.
NOTE: In three-phase delta 120/240 V services, the high leg shall be only on the right
side of the meter base.

Chapter 4
Self-contained meter base/socket requirements

Single-phase A manual block bypass is required on all commercial services. Automatic circuit
services: 400 A closures, sliders, and lever bypasses are not acceptable.
or less
Single-phase A self-contained meter base/socket shall be installed on all new and remodeled single-
services: phase services (120/240 V), where the current-carrying capacity of the service entrance
120/240 V, conductors does not exceed 200 A, as specified in NEC (see Table 8, Meter Base/
200 A or less Socket Configuration A).
Single-phase Two options are available:

services: 201 to 1. A self-contained 320-A meter base/socket with a manual block bypass is required
400 A on all new and remodeled single-phase services (120/240 V) over 200 A, where the
current-carrying capacity of the service entrance conductors does not exceed
400 A, as specified in the NEC (see Table 8, Meter Base/Socket Configuration A).
2. Current transformer metering is available at additional cost; contact PSE’s CCS
office (see Table 8, Meter Base/Socket Configuration B).
Single-phase A 5-terminal meter safety socket shall be installed where the fifth terminal is placed in
services: the nine o’clock position connected to the socket neutral bus conductor (see Table 8,
120/208 V, Meter Base/Socket Configuration C).
200 A or less
Single-phase A 5-terminal meter safety socket shall be installed where the fifth terminal is placed in
streetlight the nine o’clock position connected to the socket neutral bus conductor (see Table 8,
services: Meter Base/Socket Configuration C).
120/240 V or NOTE: All 240/480 V services require an accessible disconnect ahead of the meter.
240/480 V A fused disconnect is preferred.
pedestals
Three-phase services: 200 A or less

All three-phase A manual block bypass is required on all commercial services. Automatic circuit
services closures, sliders, and lever bypasses are not acceptable.
The neutral (grounded conductor) shall be connected or tapped to the third terminal
from the left on the lower terminals (see Table 8, Meter Base/Socket Configuration D).
Three-phase In addition to the requirements for all three-phase services, the high-leg (power leg) shall
services: be connected through the right-hand terminals of the socket.
120/240 V,
four-wire delta
(Restricted —
available only
for existing
services)
Three-phase An accessible disconnect (fused disconnect preferred) ahead of each meter base/
services: socket and a safety socket with a manual bypass are required.
277/480 V NOTE: Be familiar and comply with the customer equipment restrictions provided in
Section 1, Other customer responsibilities of this chapter.

Chapter 4
Table 8 Single-phase (nonresidential only) and all three-phase meter base/socket types
Voltage Wires Service No. of Meter Manual Accessible Socket
Capacity Terminals Socket Block Disconnect
Amp Config.* Bypass Ahead & Safety
Required? Socket Required?
Single-Phase Nonresidential
120/240 3 up to 200 4 A Yes No Self-contained
socket
120/240 3 201 to 320 4 A Yes No Self-contained
320 A socket
120/240 3 above 320 6 B n/a n/a Instrument
transformer rated
with provision for
test switch
120/208 3 up to 200 5 C Yes No Preferred
arrangement
120/240 3 up to 200 5 C Yes Safety socket Streetlight
allowed but not applications only
required
240/480 3 up to 200 5 C Yes Yes - fused Streetlight
disconnect applications only
preferred
All Three-Phase
120/208 4 up to 200 7 D Yes No Self-contained
socket
120/208 4 above 200 13 E n/a n/a Instrument
transformer rated
with provision for
test switch
120/240 4 up to 200 7 D Yes No Self-contained
socket
(RESTRICTED
APPLICATION) —
High leg on right
terminals
transformer rated
with provision
for test switch
(RESTRICTED
APPLICATION)
277/480 4 up to 200 7 D Yes Yes - fused Self-contained
disconnect safety socket
preferred
transformer rated
with provision for
test switch
* Meter Base/Socket Configurations
A B C D E
Chapter 4
Section 3: Current transformer (CT) metering requirements (up to 800 A)

Single-phase services: over 400 A and three-phase services: over 200 A
Puget Sound Energy’s installation responsibilities

PSE is responsible to provide and install:
• Instrument transformers
• Meters and test switches
• Metering circuits (wiring)
Customer’s installation responsibilities

Provisions for current transformers shall be made when the current-carrying capacity of
the service entrance conductors exceeds 400 A single-phase or 200 A three-phase, as
determined by the NEC.
Meter base/ You are responsible to provide and install the meter base/socket.
socket
Metering circuit You are responsible to provide and install the metering circuit conduit. Metallic conduit
conduit (EMT or Rigid) or Schedule 80 PVC conduit is required between the meter base/socket
and CT enclosure.
• The conduit shall be sized as follows:
»» Single-phase: 1 inch minimum
»» Three-phase: 1-1/4 inches minimum
• Conduit shall be as short as possible and shall not exceed 50 feet in length or
360 degrees in bends.
• A pull string is required in any meter conduit over 25 feet.
• When metallic conduit (EMT or Rigid) is used, grounding bushings shall be used at
both ends.
• Conduit shall run from the CT enclosure and enter the test switch portion of the
meter base/socket.
NOTE: Metering circuit conduit shall not contain LB joints, condulets, junction boxes,
or flex conduit. The preferred method of installing conduits entering the CT enclosure is
shown in Figure 28.

Chapter 4
Figure 28 Preferred method of conduit installation in a single-phase and three-phase

CT enclosure
SINGLE-PHASE INSTALLATION THREE-PHASE INSTALLATION
NO CONDUIT NO CONDUIT
IN THIS AREA IN THIS AREA
LOAD LOAD
LINE LINE
CT enclosure You are responsible to provide and install a CT enclosure (see Table 9) ahead of the
main disconnect on the outside of the structure, or in an approved electrical room (see
Electrical room requirements section of this chapter).
• Enclosures shall not be mounted in crawl spaces, attics, any confined areas, or
mounted on ceilings.
• CT enclosures require a minimum front clearance of 36 inches.
• Hinged CT enclosure doors shall not block a safe exit while open.
• The top of the CT enclosure shall be a maximum of 8 feet above the floor or
finished grade; the bottom shall be a minimum of 6 inches above the floor/grade.
• The CT enclosure shall not be used as a junction box or bus gutter.
• The CT enclosure covers shall not open vertically. Covers shall open horizontally,
right to left.

Chapter 4
Table 9 CT enclosure dimensions (minimum)
Switch No. of
Phase Width Height Depth
Ampacity Transformers
1* 401-800 2 24" 48" 11"
3* 201-800 3 36" 48" 11"
3 ** Over 800 3 ** — —
* Enclosure with a side-opening single-hinged door is required when cabinet
dimensions are greater than 24" x 48".
** Services over 800 A require a switchboard designed to EUSERC specifications.
Refer to the Remote Metering section in this chapter for more information. Services
from 201-800 A may be switchboard designed to EUSERC specifications. Drawing
must be submitted to PSE’s Meter Engineering.
Mounting the CT You are responsible to do the following:

• Install a CT mounting base on services of 800 A or less (see Figures 29 and 30).
• Provide and install two bolt lugs on the line and load sides of each phase and the
neutral bus.
NOTE: An instrument transformer enclosure shall contain only the main service
conductors. Two types of current transformer brackets are available for terminating
main service conductors: bolted lug and molded connector type.
• Bolted current transformer mounting brackets allow two main service conductor
connections per current transformer bracket. Current transformer brackets with
molded connector blocks allow up to:
»» Three main service conductor connections per bracket when individual
connector blocks are used.
»» Six main service conductor connections per bracket when stackable connector
blocks are used.
A gutter or junction box is required if there are more than six main service conductors.
• All new CT brackets or rebuilt CT enclosures shall be 50 kA fault current rated.

Chapter 4
Figure 29 Single-phase CT mounting base bracket. EUSERC 328A (shown) or 328B

CT MOUNTING BOLTS
TYPICAL 4 PLACES -
3/4" 5" SEE NOTE 3
1-3/4"
1-3/8"
1-1/2"
1-1/2"
7/8"
8-1/8"
10-32 MACHINE
SCREW & WASHER
DRILLED AND
TAPPED INTO BUS
1-3/8"
1-3/4"
3/4" 8" MIN BUS MARKING “CT”

(TYPICAL 2 PLACES)
CABLE TERM. BOLTS
(TYPICAL 4 PLACES - SEE NOTE 3)
INSULATING SUPPORT (SEE NOTE 1)
2" MIN 1/4"

2-1/2" MAX
3-1/2"
INSULATING
BARRIER
NOTES:
1. Insulated supports shall be rated for the serving voltage and have sufficient
mechanical strength for the application.
2. Mounting base accepts bar-type current transformers only.
3. Two 1/2-inch steel bolts shall be provided for each cable terminating position and
each bolt shall be furnished with a spring washer and a nut. The spring washer
may be either a cone-type (belleville) or a split-ring washer and a flat washer.
Bolts shall be secured in place and spaced as shown. All parts shall be plated to
prevent corrosion.

Chapter 4
Figure 30 Three-phase CT mounting base bracket. EUSERC 329A (shown) or 329B
3/4" CT MOUNTING BOLTS

5" TYPICAL 6 PLACES - SEE NOTE 3
1-3/4"
1-3/8"
1-1/2"
1-1/2"
7/8"
10-32 MACHINE 8-1/8"

SCREW & WASHER
DRILLED AND
TAPPED INTO BUS
1-3/8"
1-3/4"
3/4"
7" MIN 7" MIN BUS MARKING “CT”
CABLE TERM. BOLTS (TYPICAL 3 PLACES)
(TYPICAL 6 PLACES - SEE NOTE 3)
INSULATING SUPPORT (SEE NOTE 1)
2" MIN 1/4"

2-1/2" MAX
3-1/2"
INSULATING
BARRIER
NOTES:
1. Insulated supports shall be rated for the serving voltage and have sufficient
mechanical strength for the application.
2. Mounting base accepts bar-type current transformers only.
3. Two 1/2-in. steel bolts shall be provided for each cable terminating position and
each bolt shall be furnished with a spring washer and a nut. The spring washer
may be either a cone-type (belleville) or a split-ring washer and a flat washer.
Bolts shall be secured in place and spaced as shown. All parts shall be plated to
prevent corrosion.

Chapter 4
Customer requirements for switchboard metering (over 800 A)

A custom-built switchboard constructed to Equipment Utility Service Requirements
Committee (EUSERC) specifications is required for services over 800 A. Switchboard
metering may be used on services from 201-800 A, at your discretion.
Approval Approval drawings shall be submitted for all switchboard metering prior to shipment
drawings from the manufacturer. One set of drawings shall be sent directly to the PSE Meter
required Engineering for their required approval.
Installing current PSE will supply the CTs to be installed by your electrician in the CT section of your
transformers switchboard for services larger than 800 A. Coordinate with your Project Manager to
arrange for delivery of the CTs.
Three-phase Three-phase services require 13-terminal meter bases/sockets mounted on the

services switchboard according to EUSERC 332 (see Figure 32, Diagram B), or mounted
remotely and connected with approved conduit. The conduit shall terminate in the
CT compartment and the test switch portion of the meter base/socket (see Figure 32).
Figure 31 Options for switchboard meters
13-TERMINAL 13-TERMINAL METER BASE/SOCKET

METER BASE/SOCKET SURFACE-MOUNTED TO FACE OF
REMOTELY MOUNTED SWITCHBOARD PANEL
EUSERC 332
4' MIN CONFIGURATION
5' PREFERRED
6' MAX
Figure 32 Instrument-rated CT meter bases/sockets
DIAGRAM A DIAGRAM B
120/240 V SINGLE-PHASE METER BASE/SOCKET THREE-PHASE SINGLE METER BASE/SOCKET
9" 9"
20" 20"
MIN MIN
TO CT CAN 1
11" TO CT CAN 1 11"
TEST SWITCH TEST SWITCH
SPACE SPACE
4" MIN 1-1/4" MIN 4-1/2" MIN

1" MIN 12"
CONDUIT CONDUIT DIAMETER 12"
MIN
DIAMETER
DIAGRAM B:
NOTE 1: 120/208 V, 4-WIRE WYE
NO MORE THAN FOUR 90˚ BENDS 277/480 V, 4-WIRE WYE
50 FEET MAX LENGTH 120/240 V, 4-WIRE DELTA
NO CONDULETS IN THE RUN ALL DIMENSIONS ARE MINIMUM

Chapter 5
Customer generation
This chapter provides you with PSE’s rules and requirements to interconnect and
operate customer-owned and installed generation sources in parallel with PSE’s electric
distribution system. Customer generation sources include fuel cell, hydroelectric,
biomass, solar, or wind power generators. Customer generation does not include
emergency power generators.
Responsibilities
Puget Sound Approval of customer generation installations by PSE is required ahead of construction.
Energy Failure to obtain approval ahead of construction may result in delays and unanticipated
costs for any corrections necessary.
PSE’s Customer Solutions and meter engineering groups will review and approve all
customer installation designs. PSE will provide and install net and production meters.
Customer All customer electrical equipment must comply with the NEC and any state or local
code requirements. Any system capable of exceeding 25 kW may require a dedicated
transformer.
General requirements
Customer-owned generators up to 100 kW may be connected to and operate in parallel
to PSE’s facilities in accordance with Electric Tariff G, Schedule 150, Net Metering
Service for Renewable Energy Systems.
The design of these systems shall meet PSE’s standards for voltage flicker and harmonics
and will be served by PSE at a standard service voltage (see Chapter 1, Table 1).
What to submit when applying for interconnection

Customers should apply for interconnection, net metering, and production metering
using Electric Schedule 150 Attachment B or EZ Agreements. Customers should read
through Electric Schedule 150 and 151 for more information on how the state incentive
works. A three-line wiring schematic should accompany all applications and agreements.

Chapter 5
Interconnection system diagrams

For PSE to review the installation proposal, an electric system one-line diagram must be
provided with application for service. The one-line diagram shall schematically represent
the following equipment and electrical connectivity:
• Generator
• Inverter
• Battery bank (as applicable)
• Disconnect switch (as applicable)
• Production meter
• Main electrical panel
• Sub panel (as applicable for battery back up)
• Service meter (net meter)
• Utility service point of connection
A system diagram guide can be found at:
https://pse.com/savingsandenergycenter/Renewables/Documents/PSE_Sytem_Diagram_Guide.pdf
Meter location
Net meters and production meters are subject to the meter location requirements defined
in Chapter 4 of this handbook.
Additionally, the production meter must be located “adjacent” to the net meter except as
described in two exceptions detailed in the following paragraphs. “Adjacent” is defined
as between 10 inches to 6 feet center-to-center along the same wall. Installers may not
round corners.
The following exceptions provide the conditions under which net and production meters
are not required to be located adjacent to each other:
Exception No. 1: When the production system is installed on a separate structure
from the service meter (net meter), the production meter may be installed on the same
structure as the production system if it also has an electric subpanel. If the structure
does not have an existing electric subpanel, the production meter must be colocated
with the service meter (net meter).
A typical example would be a system of solar panels on a barn where the barn is served
off a branch circuit from the main panel of the house. In this case, the production meter
could be located on the barn rather than adjacent to the service meter at the house.
Ground mount installations do not qualify as separate structures.
Exception No. 2: When the service meter (net meter) is remotely located on a pedestal
or post (see Chapter 4, Remote Meter Requirements), the production meter may be
installed on the same structure as the production system if it also has an electric panel.
For either exception, the production meter placement must still meet all standards for
access and placement.
Exception No. 3: When there is no space available or it is extremely difficult to place
the production meter adjacent to the service (net meter), the production meter may be
installed where there is a line-of-sight from the service (net meter).
For these exceptions, the production meter placement must still meet all standards for
access and placement.

OCTOBER 2017 UPDATE
Chapter 5
Meter socket requirements

Customer-provided metering equipment shall meet the requirements stated in Chapter 4
of this handbook. Installers may not tap at the meter socket (supply side tap).
Labeling requirements
The labeling requirements in Chapter 4 of this handbook apply to net and production
metering enclosures. In addition to those requirements, meter enclosures shall be labeled
with permanently affixed signage at the production meter and net meter enclosures
to identify their function (i.e., net meter or production meter). Where metering is
accomplished at different voltages, the signage must also identify the voltages at which
the meters are energized. Labels shall conform to the requirements of NEC Article 690.
Disconnect switch requirements

PSE must have the ability to disconnect a generator from PSE’s system for employee
protection. A disconnect switch is recommended to be installed for all customer
generation systems, and required in some cases.
A disconnect switch is required if your system meets any of the following characteristics:
• Output is greater than 25 kW
• Electric service is three-phase
• Electric service is CT-metered
A disconnect switch is optional if your system meets all of the following characteristics:
• Output is 25 kW or less
• Electric service is single-phase
• Electric service is self-contained
Disconnect When a production system requires a disconnect switch, the following criteria shall be
switch location applied to determine the location of the disconnect switch:
• For 240 V and 120/208 V self-contained and CT-rated production meters, the
disconnect switch shall be on the line side of the production meter (between the
production meter and the inverter).
• In the case of 480 V self-contained production meters, the disconnect switch shall
be on the load side of the production meter (between the production meter and
your panel).
• In the case of 480 V CT-rated production meters, the disconnect switch shall be on
the line side of the production meter (between the inverter and production meters).
• For customers that have no load between the PSE transformer and inverter
(typically community solar or power purchase customers), only one bidirectional
meter is necessary to monitor production credits and inverter load. The disconnect
switch shall be on the load side of the generation/service meter (between the meter
and the inverters).
Exception: For 480 V self-contained meters, the disconnect switch shall be located on
the line side of the service meter.
When more than one production meter is required for the customer production system,
the disconnect location shall be determined by PSE Meter Engineering.

Chapter 5
Resources
Additional information about PSE’s program for interconnecting and net metering
customer generation, the benefits of net metering, Electric Schedule 150 Tariff
documents, and ways to contact PSE’s energy advisors can be found online at:
https://pse.com/savingsandenergycenter/NetMetering/Pages/Net-Metering.aspx

Chapter 6
Temporary services
What this In this chapter you will find answers to questions such as:
chapter • What are the installation requirements for underground and overhead service?
contains
• What are the trenching requirements?
• How do I locate existing underground utilities before I dig?
• How do I get my temporary service energized?
Three-phase If you require three-phase temporary service, your Project Manager will contact
temporary PSE’s Meter Department.
service
Definition
A temporary (temp) service is a means of supplying electricity to your site for less
than one year. Typically, a temp service provides power for the construction phase
of your project, while provisions are being made for your permanent power system.
Temp service is provided underground or overhead depending on available PSE
facilities.
Obtaining your temporary service from existing power facilities
The following information applies to your temp service installation:

• Determine if you need overhead or underground service.
• Obtain an electrical work permit.
• Order underground utility locate service by contacting the 811 “Call Before You
Dig” hotline two business days before digging.
• Prepare the job site and install your temp service equipment (service post,
pedestal, and meter base).
• Obtain an electrical inspection approval of your temp service equipment (this is
done by you or your contractor).
• Call PSE to request that your temp service be connected and energized after
your electrical inspection is complete.
• Apply for permanent service.
• At your request, we will check your site to determine if engineering is required.
If you have any questions, please call Customer Construction Services (CCS) at
1-888-321-7779

Chapter 6
Scheduling
Most temp services are connected to existing power facilities and engineering is not
required. In these cases temp services are typically energized 3 to 5 days after your
installation has passed inspection. Depending on complexity and work volume, time
frames will vary.
Customer charge for service
Charges vary due to the type of system we have in your area. Your
CCS Representative will explain current temp service fees.
Temporary meter base/socket requirements
You are required to provide a meter socket with the following specifications:
• A ring-type socket that includes a screw-type, stainless steel, or aluminum meter
ring (snap-type rings must be stainless steel).
• Rated 120/240 V
• Single-phase
• Minimum rating of 100 A
• Maximum rating of 200 A
• Four jaws
• Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved
NOTE: A 120/208 V single-phase service requires a 5-terminal meter base with the fifth
terminal tied to the neutral bus conductor. A 277/480 V three-phase service requires an
accessible disconnect ahead of each meter socket and a safety socket with a manual
bypass.
If you would like a service of 201 A or greater, refer to the metering requirements in
Chapter 4, Meter Installation, located in this handbook.
All conductors necessary for standard service voltage, provided in Chapter 1, Table 1,
must be determined
Temporary underground services
Temp underground service is available in PSE’s service area where the existing power
facilities are installed underground.
The process and cost of obtaining your temp underground service can vary,
depending on the location of our existing facilities. If there is a power stubout,
handhole, pedestal, or transformer located on your property, engineering may not
be required. Simply install your temp service facilities (see Figure 33 and Figure 34),
obtain an electrical inspection, and call PSE to connect your temp service.

Chapter 6
Meter location To properly locate your temp meter pedestal, set the meter pedestal on your property
no more than 5 feet from the transformer, stubout, handhole, or pedestal.
If a distance greater than 5 feet is required, please contact a CCS Representative for
approval prior to construction.
Trenching and It is the customer’s responsibility to provide the trenching needed to connect to a
excavation power stubout (shown in Figure 33). The cable you provide is to be sized according
requirements to the NEC and have a minimum 24 inches of backfill coverage.
NOTE: A 4-foot-square excavation is required at the stubout to provide working room
for our personnel to splice your cable to ours.
If the connection point to PSE facilities is a handhole, pedestal, or transformer;
trench up to the nearest side and leave your wires exposed. If you discover any other
conductors while digging your trench, please leave them covered. If further trenching
is required, our personnel will complete it.
Remember to order underground utility locate service by contacting the 811 “Call
Before You Dig” hotline two business days before digging.
NOTE: Any trenching within 24 inches of existing underground facilities must be done
by hand.
Figure 33 Trenching requirements for power stubout
CUSTOMER POST, METER

BASE, AND PANEL
6' MAX
5' PREFERRED
4' MIN
PSE STUBOUT
STUBOUT CONDUIT
COVERING THE
TEMPORARY
CONNECTION
26"
CUSTOMER OWNED TEMPORARY
SERVICE CONDUCTORS
4'
4'
PSE CONDUCTOR
NOTE: 4' x 4' work pit required to allow working room for the tools necessary to
connect temporary service

Chapter 6
Underground The following items must be completed before energizing your underground
temporary temp service:
service 1. Contact a CCS Representative at 1-888-321-7779, and request your temp
installation underground service.
process
2. Obtain an electrical work permit from the inspecting agency.
3. Order underground utility locate service by contacting the 811 “Call Before You
Dig” hotline two business days before digging.
4. Install your meter pedestal and meter base/socket in the appropriate location
(see Figures 33 and 34).
5. Provide the appropriately sized conductor from your meter socket to PSE’s
connection point. Please leave 5 feet of extra cable at the stubout or handhole, and
10 extra feet at a transformer. Consult the NEC for the appropriate cable sizes.
6. Obtain and pass an electrical inspection.
7. Trench up to and expose the PSE connection point at the stubout, handhole, or
transformer.
8. If trenching is provided, cover your cable except in the work pit where our
personnel will be splicing your cable to ours.
9. After the above items are complete, call CCS at 1-888-321-7779 and inform a
CCS Representative that your installation has been inspected and that you are
ready for your temp service.
This installation shows a safe temp service. Do not deviate from the installation
standards without approval from your CCS Representative. Doing so may extend the
time frame for your service hookup.

Chapter 6
Figure 34 Temporary underground service installation
1
TOP OF METER BASE SHALL NOT
BE ABOVE TOP OF STRUCTURE
8
6' MAX
5' PREFERRED
4' MIN
5'
MAX 4
7
2' MIN COVER
3' MIN
5
1 4" x 4" x 10' continuous single structure Transformer, handhole, pedestal, or
7
stubout
2" x 4" bracing (post should be braced from
2 8 Meter
two directions)
Meter socket and distribution panel (up to
3
200 A, 120/240 V)
5 Ground rod, in accordance with NEC/WAC
Service entrance conductors in accordance
6
with NEC
NOTE: Trench and backfill from meter base to transformer, handhole, pedestal, or
stubout is customer provided.

Chapter 6
Temporary overhead services

Temp overhead service is available anywhere in PSE’s service area where the existing
electrical system is installed overhead.
The process and cost of obtaining your temp overhead service can vary depending on
the location of our existing facilities. The least complicated and cheapest way a temp
service can be installed is if a transformer is located on a pole alongside your property. If
this is the case, engineering may not be required. All you have to do is install your temp
service equipment, have it inspected, and call Customer Construction Services (CCS)
at 1-888-321-7779 to order your service. Once the above items are completed, your
service will be connected within a few business days.
Meter location Your temp meter post should be located on your property and within 70 feet of the
PSE pole that will serve you. This limitation ensures that your temp service pole can
withstand the weight of the conductor. If a distance greater than 70 feet is required, or
if PSE’s pole is on the opposite side of the street, please call CCS for approval prior to
construction. A taller, stouter post with additional bracing could be required.
Service line path In addition to the meter post distance limitation mentioned above, please consider the
requirements service line path requirements:
• The path that the service line will take should not cross property belonging to other
individuals.
• If the service line will pass through trees or brush, clear a path to allow our service
personnel to run the line and to allow the lines to hang without contacting trees or
limbs. Maintaining this clear path is the customer’s responsibility.
• The service line path should avoid areas where vehicular traffic will occur, unless
your temp service post height is increased to provide adequate clearance (see
Figure 35).
Clearance The National Electric Code (NEC) and the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) have
requirements established minimum clearance requirements to maintain safe heights for electrical
conductors over various terrains.
Figure 35 shows the clearance requirements for the types of terrain most commonly
encountered.
The NEC and NESC require the lowest point of a service conductor to be at least
12 feet aboveground. The bottom of the drip loop must be a minimum of 10 feet
above the ground.
You are required to provide a point of attachment on your service pole that will allow
PSE to install the conductor and maintain the required clearances.
If you need further details, please consult the current issue of the NEC, or contact the
state or local electrical inspector for your area.

Chapter 6
Figure 35 Minimum clearance requirements upon installation
SERVICE LINE
(UTILITY OWNED)
TEMPORARY
SERVICE
26'
17-1/2'
12' 10'
STATE HIGHWAYS STREETS, ALLEYS, COUNTY ROADS, RESIDENTIAL

PARKING AREAS, AND DRIVEWAYS PROPERTY
Overhead The following items must be completed before we can energize your service:
temporary 1. Contact a CCS Representative and request your temporary overhead service.
service
installation 2. Obtain an electrical work permit from the inspecting agency.
process 3. Install a meter pole and meter socket.
4. Obtain and pass an electrical inspection.
5. After these items are completed, call CCS and inform a CCS Representative that
your installation has been inspected and that you are ready for temp service.
Figure 36 shows the standard temp overhead service installation that we recommend.
The dimensions shown are the minimum acceptable.
This installation shows a safe temp service. Do not deviate from the installation
standards without approval from your CCS Representative. Doing so may extend the
time frame for your service hookup.

Chapter 6
Figure 36 Temporary overhead service installation
8
6
TOP VIEW OF STUD AND BRACES

ALIGN SERVICE LINE BETWEEN BRACES.
MAX 70' IN LENGTH WITHOUT PSE APPROVAL.
7
1 45˚
10' MIN 9
TO DRIP
LOOP
12' 3
MIN NOTE THAT THE SERVICE LINES
EXTEND AT A 45˚ ANGLE FROM WITHIN
THE BRACES
6' MAX
5' PREFERRED
4' MIN
4
5
GROUND LINE 24" MIN
8' MIN
4" x 4" x 16' or 2" x 10" x 16' minimum, 8 Service line
1
continuous single structure 9 Meter
Meter socket and distribution panel (up to
2
200 A, 120/240 V)
4 Ground rod, in accordance with NEC/WAC
5 2" x 4" brace (two required)
Service entrance conductors - 18" out of
6
weatherhead minimum
7 Insulated clevis (point of attachment)

Glossary
Clearance – A set distance between two objects.
Conduit – A listed or approved wireway with a smooth interior surface to permit easy
drawing-in of the electrical conductors. A conduit may be metallic or nonmetallic,
depending on its usage, in accordance with codes and Puget Sound Energy Standards.
Corrosion Inhibitor – Electrical joint compound used to retard oxidation of electrical
connections.
Customer Generation – A generation facility installed by PSE customers that are
interconnected and operated in parallel with PSE’s electric distribution system through
the electric service meter (net meter).
Demand – The maximum average kilowatt load used by the customer for a specific
period of time during the billing period.
Direct Burial – The installation of electrical conductors in a trench, without the use of
conduit.
Disconnect Switch – A single blade-type, visible and lockable disconnect.
EUSERC – Electrical Utility Service Equipment Requirements Committee
Ground Mount – A generation installation supported by its own independent structure.
Guard Post – A bollard or post designed to protect the meter installation or transformer
from vehicular traffic.
Guying – Cables or braces used to relieve the strain of overhead conductors on masts
and poles.
High Leg – (Also wild leg, delta leg) The phase leg that is at higher potential to ground
than any other two-phase legs. This leg shall be identified in red.
High-rise Building – A structure meeting the definition set forth in the International
Building Code.
Instrument Transformer – Current and/or potential transformers used in connection
with metering equipment to monitor high current loads and/or high voltage potentials.
Inverter – An electronic device used to change dc current into ac current.
Keybox or Keycards – Permanently installed, locked box with keys enclosed, or a
keycard screening monitor mounted on the outside of a building, for accessing the
customer’s premises to read, install, service, or remove Puget Sound Energy meters and/
or electrical equipment during reasonable working hours.
Manual Block Bypass (Circuit-Closing Block) – A provision for paralleling the meter
circuit, allowing the meter to be removed without interrupting service to the customer.
Meter Jaw – A spring-loaded receptacle installed inside a meter socket, interfacing the
terminals of the meter to the source and load conductors of the service.
Meter Loop – Any provision in which an electrical meter may be installed. Does not
include the service disconnect device.
Meter Pole – A pole which supports the metering equipment owned and maintained by
the customer.
Meter Base/Socket – The mounting device consisting of meter jaws, connectors, and
enclosure for accommodating socket-type meters. The mounting device may be either a
single socket or a trough to accommodate more than one mounting unit.
Multifamily Building – A single structure comprised of two or more independent
dwelling units having permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.

Glossary
Municipal or State Inspector – The qualified representative of a city or the Washington

State Department of Labor and Industries, who has been authorized by governmental
agencies to inspect electrical service installations on their behalf.
NEC – National Electrical Code
Net Meter – A PSE meter through which the customer generation is interconnected to
the PSE electric distribution system. Net meters measure both energy delivered from
PSE to the customer and energy returned to PSE from the customer.
Nonresidential Buildings – All structures that are not residential buildings or multifamily
buildings, or where portions of such a building are intended for commercial, retail, or
general public activities.
Point of Attachment – The point at which Puget Sound Energy’s service conductors are
attached to the customer’s premises by an approved insulated clevis.
Point of Delivery – The location on the customer’s premises where Puget Sound
Energy’s circuit and the customer’s system are interconnected.
Primary Voltage – The higher voltage, before transformation, used to distribute electrical
energy through neighborhoods and local areas. Normally in excess of 600 V.
RCW – Revised Code of Washington
Safety Socket – A three-phase self-contained meter base socket with provisions to
de-energize the meter base without disconnecting the load.
Seal – The locking device used to secure meter and/or service entrance equipment to
ensure safety and security for the unit.
Secondary Voltage – The lower voltage, after transformation, used to supply the
customer with electrical energy. Normally less than 600 V.
Self-Contained – In reference to meter sockets: a device designed and rated to
continuously carry the entire capacity of the service entrance equipment through the
meter.
Service Entrance Conductors – Those conductors which extend between the
customer’s load center and point of delivery.
Service Entrance Equipment – Service conduit, conductors, weatherhead, meter base,
enclosures, service disconnect, and load center.
Service Mast – The conduit above the meter used to provide mechanical protection for
the service conductors and to support the service drop from PSE’s system.
Supply Side Tap – A connection that is made on the line or utility side of the main
service disconnect breaker.
Temporary Service – An electrical service installed by Puget Sound Energy to provide
power to a customer on a temporary basis (12 months or less).
WAC – Washington Administrative Code

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

1220 06/17

Commercial Electric Service Handbook

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Commercial Electric Service Handbook

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Electric Service Handbook

Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

The installation process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Service equipment installation responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Conduit installed at vaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Service equipment installation responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Section 1: General metering requirements

Section 2: Self-contained metering requirements

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Section 3: Current transformer (CT) metering requirements (up to 800 A)

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

What this chapter contains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects

What this handbook contains

Electrical service equipment inspection

Codes and jurisdictions

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 1

Other electric service information

How to contact Puget Sound Energy

PSE’s service providers

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 2

Overview: new permanent and temporary electric service hookup

Commercial/ • Determine if you need overhead or underground service.

PSE’s • Determine if engineering is required.

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 3

Steps to a smooth permanent service installation

The installation process

Submitting an application for service

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 4

Service type Voltage

Know what’s below: Call 811 before you dig

Table 2 Color codes for locating utilities

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 5

Cost for service

Additional service costs

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 6

Permanent underground services

Service equipment installation responsibilities

Preparing for your service hookup

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 7

6. If required by CCS, provide an easement for any permanently installed PSE

Cable limits for transformers

Table 3 Maximum cable runs per transformer

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 8

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 9

PRIMARY POWER CABLE PRIMARY POWER CABLE

ROADSIDE 18" 24" MIN ROADSIDE 18"

BACKFILL FOR DB120

3" OF SAND, 5/8" MINUS, OR CLEAN BACKFILL BEDDING

PRIMARY POWER, MAINLINE GAS, AND COMMUNICATIONS

ROADSIDE 32" 24" MIN

12" MIN BACKFILL (NO ROCKS OVER 10" DIAMETER)

4" SAND BEDDING 1

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 10

Electric Service Handbook 2017 — Commercial/Industrial and Multifamily Projects 11

• Carefully placing backfill to prevent damage or movement of the cables or

• Cost of damages to PSE facilities caused by improper backfill or compaction.

• Relocation costs due to change in grade or alignment.

Vault excavation requirements